Monarchs on the Move

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Thjese are fritillary butterflies, often confused with monarchs on purple milkweed. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Monarchs on the Move

Every fall, North America witnesses one of the great wonders of the natural world: the monarch butterfly migration. From late August through October, millions of monarchs begin their journey south. Unlike their short-lived summer cousins, this “super generation” can live up to eight months, long enough to travel thousands of miles to their overwintering sanctuaries.

Eastern monarchs head as far as the mountain forests of central Mexico, where they cluster on oyamel fir trees in breathtaking numbers. Western monarchs, meanwhile, fly to the coast of California, settling into eucalyptus, pine, and cypress groves. After conserving energy all winter, they will begin the long journey north again in spring.

But migration is perilous. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate shifts have all reduced monarch numbers. Gardeners, however, can make a real difference.

How You Can Help:

  • Plant fall nectar flowers. Monarchs need fuel for their long trip. Goldenrod, asters, ironweed, sedum, Mexican sunflower (Tithonia), zinnias, lantana, and coneflowers provide the nectar-rich blooms they rely on well into frost.

  • Skip the chemicals. Insecticides kill butterflies outright, while herbicides remove the wildflowers and milkweed they need.

  • Leave milkweed standing. Monarchs don’t breed during migration, but native milkweed will be ready when they return in spring.

  • Provide shelter. Native trees and shrubs give butterflies safe resting places along the way.

  • Create a fueling station. Plant nectar flowers in sunny, sheltered clusters that are easy for monarchs to find as they pass through.

  • Join citizen science projects. Programs like Monarch Watch and Journey North track migration and help scientists monitor populations.

As you watch monarchs float southward this fall, remember—they are depending on our gardens as stepping-stones on a journey that can stretch 3,000 miles. By planting with purpose, we can help ensure that this incredible migration continues for generations to come.

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Charlotte