Importance of Native Plants for Monarchs and Pollinators
Monarchs and other pollinators rely predominantly on native plants. Whenever possible, grow or purchase local genotype native plants. These plants have co-evolved with local wildlife, including insect pollinators, making them vigorous and hardy. Adapted to their region, they can survive winter cold and summer heat. The deep roots of native plants, especially those of prairie plants, trees, and shrubs, control soil erosion and withstand droughts. Once established, native plants require little watering and are better at tolerating native pests.
Nectar Plants:
- Should be grown in warm, sunny areas protected from the wind by large shrubs, hedgerows, or fences.
- Provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Nectar, a sugar water containing amino acids, proteins, organic acids, and vitamins, fuels pollinators and is their only energy source.
- Monarchs need nectar to fuel their search for mates and egg-laying sites. Without nectar, pollinators cannot fly.
- Choose early, mid-, and late-flowering species and have at least three different kinds of plants in bloom at any time.
Check out the list of native nectar plants for Tennessee. Try growing these native plants in your butterfly habitat! Native milkweeds are also included in the list. Milkweed not only serves as a host plant for monarch caterpillars but also provides nectar for adult monarchs and other pollinators. The flowers of the milkweed plant support a variety of pollinators.