Native Milkweed (Host Plants)

 

 

Monarchs and milkweed are inseparable. Milkweed is the only host plant where female monarchs lay their eggs, and monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed. Without milkweed, monarchs cannot complete their life cycle, leading to a decline in their population.

 

Planting Native Milkweed: Always plant native milkweed species for your region. Native plants have formed symbiotic relationships with local wildlife over thousands of years, offering the most sustainable habitat. A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction.

 

For Tennessee, there are fifteen native species of milkweed. Click on the links below for more information about each species.