If I live in North Highlands, California, by Sacramento, can I grow some milkweed, for butterflies to come?
2007-05-10 19:51:27 · 3 answers · asked by Johnnie 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
They feed on milkweed to protect themselves.
The Monarch butterfly larva feeds on milkweeds. Some of their favorites are the Monarch Milkweed, Asclepias eriocarpa and the Narrow leaf milkweed, Asclepias fascicularis. Milkweeds contain toxins that make the adult poisonous to birds and other predators. Most insects can eat the monarch without effect. They are preyed upon by Stink bugs and Assassin bugs.
2007-05-10 21:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by LucySD 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try planting a Butterfly Bush to attract them. Milkweed is good for Monarchs because it is the only plant they will lay their eggs on. It is the food for the caterpillars. Check this site for more information in our area. http://gardening.about.com/od/gardendesign/a/ButterflyGarden.htm
2007-05-11 14:34:32 · answer #2 · answered by mamapig_57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think so. The monachs are crazy about it here in Detroit.
I know in my garden they like Zinnias, and the swallowtails especially seem to love Dill. They lay thier eggs on them and they hatch into catapillars (they seem to like to eat dill, go figure) and then they form a cocoon. Sadly, I have never seen one hatch - but I have found the casings.
Good Luck
2007-05-11 03:15:59 · answer #3 · answered by freshbliss 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋