These 10 Plants Will Turn Your Yard Into a Monarch Butterfly Haven

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a larval host plant for monarch caterpillars and provides nectar for pollinators. It produces clusters of bright orange blooms from June to September. "Milkweed is essential for attracting monarchs because it's the only plant where they lay their eggs and is the sole food source for their caterpillars," says Mary Phillips, Head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy at the National Wildlife Federation.

Where to plant: Varies depending on species; Northeast, Southeast 

Blue Mistflower

Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is a prolific late summer to early fall bloomer that produces clusters of fluffy, tubular blue flowers rich with nectar. "This long blooming season provides essential nectar in late summer, when many other blooms have faded, and during migration," says Philips. An added bonus: "Blue mistflower stems left standing in winter provide essential habitat for overwintering bees, and its seeds provide nutrition for birds," she says.

Where to plant: Southeast

Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) produces clusters of bright golden-yellow blooms from late summer into fall, offering late-season nectar for migrating monarchs. "As a keystone plant, goldenrod supports over 100 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars," says Phillips. "Goldenrod is available in selections suited to full sun to shade and a range of soil types, making it a reliable source of nectar for monarchs and other pollinators." There are many varieties, so ensure you choose one native to your region.

Where to plant: Varies depending on species; Southeast, Northeast, West Coast, Midwest

Asters

There are more than 150 species of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), and the type you grow depends on your region. For example, 'New England' asters are suitable for the Northeast, while 'Sky Blue' asters are best for the Midwest region, and 'Pacific' asters do best on the West Coast, explains Neal. The blooms from aster plants offer late-season nectar for bees, butterflies, and migrating monarchs, Phillips adds.

Where to plant: Varies depending on species; Southeast, Northeast, West Coast, Midwest

Milkweed

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) is one of the best plants to grow for monarch butterflies. "Research shows that monarchs prefer milkweed planted in clusters of three to five plants along the garden perimeter," says Neal. "The milkweed plants should be located next to rich nectar sources. The nectar plants should be massed together in groups of three and five by color."

Choose a variety that is native to your region. Neal suggests the following: 'Swamp' milkweed (pictued above) in the Northeast and Southeast; 'Common' milkweed in the Northeast and Midwest; 'Aquatic' milkweed in the Southeast; 'Whorled' milkweed in the Midwest; 'Narrow-leaf,' 'Showy,' and 'California' milkweed on the West Coast; 'Spider,' and 'Desert' milkweed in the Southwest.

Where to plant: Varies depending on species; Southeast, Northeast, West Coast, Midwest, Southwest

Blazing Star

Blazing star (Liatris spp.) is another nectar-rich plant monarch butterflies love. Neal recommends 'Prairie' blazing star for those living in the Midwest. It's a "prairie plant with rich nectar for pollinators," she says. In the Southwest, consider 'Cusp' blazing star—a late-blooming variety monarchs depend on during the end of summer.

Where to plant: Varies depending on species; Midwest, Southwest

Purple Coneflower

For a low-maintenance option for those living in the Midwest or Great Lakes region, Neal recommends purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). This native plant produces beautiful purple, daisy-like flowers that are a mid-summer nectar source for pollinators.

Where to plant: Midwest

Buttonbrush

Buttonbrush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a very fragrant bush beloved for its unique appearance. It produces small tubular flowers in round clusters that resemble pincushions. Neal notes that the flowers produce a rich nectar source for pollinators, including monarch butterflies. They thrive in rich, wet soils and full sun.

Where to plant: Midwest

Coyote Brush

Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) is an evergreen shrub native to California. Its low-growing habit makes it a great ground cover plant, and its white-and-yellow flowers provide an essential winter nectar source for California monarchs, Neal notes.

Where to plant: Southeast

Golden Crownbeard

Golden crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) is an excellent, late-season nectar source for pollinators, Neal says. It has whimsical, bright yellow flowers that look beautiful in meadow gardens. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is commonly found growing in rocky or dry, open landscapes.

Where to plant: Southwest