(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 […]
Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
The king of the butterflies!
Introducing “UnCommon Milkweed” – A Monarch Superhost for Zones 3–8
At Johnny Butterflyseed, we’re thrilled to announce our newest native seed offering: UnCommon Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias syriaca) — a powerful larval host plant for the endangered Monarch Butterfly: Native to the eastern and central U.S., A. syriaca is one of the most important milkweeds for supporting Monarch caterpillars. It produces […]
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).
Differences Between Asclepias Incarnata and Asclepias Perennis
“White Swamp Milkweed”: A Guide by Johnny Butterflyseed As an advocate for native plants and the preservation of butterfly habitats, Johnny Butterflyseed is committed to educating enthusiasts about the various milkweed species that support monarch butterflies in Florida and throughout the U.S. Southeast. Today, we focus on two milkweed species […]
Planting Guide for Monarch Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus)
This guide will provide you with all the necessary steps to successfully plant and nurture Monarch Sunflowers across USDA Zones 1 through 11.
“Never Frass Uphill”: A Day in the Life of Marty the Monarch Caterpillar
Marty the Monarch Caterpillar shares some wisdom that’s been passed down from generation to generation: “Never Frass Uphill.”
DIY Guide: How to Test Milkweed Plants for O.E. Using a 40X Student-Grade Microscope
In this DIY guide, Johnny walks you through the process of testing milkweed leaves for the presence of O.E. spores using just a 40X student-grade microscope.
Understanding O.E.: The Parasite Affecting Monarch Butterflies and How to Test for It
Understanding O.E., its implications, and how to test for it is crucial for both scientific research and butterfly conservation efforts.