(and Why It Reveals Everything Wrong with the Current “Anti-Curassavica Crusade” in Florida) In early December 2025 I received an email that has unfortunately become all too common. A well-meaning gardener in Florida wrote to inform me that “tropical milkweed seeds” (Asclepias curassavica) had somehow contaminated the native milkweed seeds […]
Gardening
The Majesty of Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): A Desert Bloom with a Monarch’s Calling
Plant More Milkweed. Start with Showy.
Plant to Restore, Not to Decorate
Every spring, the big box stores roll out a rainbow of seedlings under fluorescent lights: petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and “pollinator blends” designed to catch your eye. They’re planted in tight rows, surrounded by mulch dyed red and black, and watered by timer. The neighbors compliment the blooms. The yard wins […]
Creating an Ecological Haven for Warblers: A Gardener’s Guide
By Johnny Butterflyseed Florida is home to a dazzling variety of Warblers—small, energetic songbirds that rely on healthy, interconnected ecosystems to thrive. While these birds are often associated with forests and wetlands, gardeners and landscapers have a unique opportunity to create an ecological space that supports warblers year-round. By planting […]
Why Florida’s “Dollarweed” Deserves a New Name: Meet the Butterflies that Call Hydrocotyle Home
By Johnny Butterflyseed If you’ve spent any time tending a Florida lawn or garden, you’ve likely come across Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle spp.). With its round, shiny leaves resembling silver dollars, it’s often labeled as a nuisance—sprayed, pulled, and cursed. But what if this so-called “weed” is actually a vital part of […]
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
Whorled Milkweed is one of the many varieties of milkweed that are critical to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus).
Introducing “Pollinator Density”
A New Measure for Understanding Plant-Pollinator Relationships By Johnny Butterflyseed Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, playing a critical role in the reproduction of countless plant species. From bees and butterflies to beetles and birds, these creatures ensure that plants can produce the seeds and fruits necessary for […]
Florida Brazilian Peppertree Eradication Program
Johnny Butterflyseed’s Comprehensive Plan to Restore Florida’s Ecosystems The Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is one of the most invasive species threatening Florida’s ecosystems. Its aggressive growth displaces native plants, disrupts wildlife habitats, and alters the natural landscape. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach that not only eradicates […]