(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 […]
Horticulture
The Majesty of Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): A Desert Bloom with a Monarch’s Calling
Plant More Milkweed. Start with Showy.
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 […]
The Truth About Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica): A Florida-Native Species Worth Understanding
Let’s be clear: Tropical Milkweed is indeed a Florida-native species within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and above.
Research-Grade Protocols for Germinating Olive Seeds (Olea europaea)
If you’ve ever tried to germinate olive tree seeds, you probably understand why most olive “seedlings” sold online are actually propagated from stem cuttings. Olive seed germination is notoriously difficult, thanks to a complex dormancy mechanism and a hard, water-resistant endocarp that protects the seed within. This isn’t a process […]
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 […]