Wildlife Gardening/Taxon/Danaus plexippus

thumb|Adult male Danaus plexippus or the monarch butterfly is a large orange and black butterfly. Its primary habitat ranges from southern Location Canada to northern Location South America, but it also sometimes visits southern Pacific countries as well as Location Europe and northern Location Africa. Monarchs lay eggs only on milkweeds (genus Taxon Asclepias) and closely related plants. As the caterpillar feeds it accumulates toxins that make it repulsive to predators. Adults drink nectar from a wide variety of flowers, which they pollinate as they feed. With the onset of fall, monarchs undertake a long migration to Location Mexico and Location Florida, from which they will return in the spring. Monarch populations have steeply declined in recent years, making them a popular target species for conservation gardeners. It is the state butterfly of Location Vermont and Location West Virginia as well as the state insect of Location Alabama, Location Idaho, Location Illinois, Location Minnesota, and Location Texas. Although they contains poisonous substances, monarchs pose little risk to people, pets, or desirable wildlife. Nevertheless, the presence of unwanted monarchs may be discouraged in a garden by encouraging predators like Taxon Icterus orioles, Taxon Pheucticus melanocephalus black-headed grosbeaks, Taxon Corvidae jays, Taxon Harmonia axyridis Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis), and Taxon Hymenoptera wasps, among others. Nomenclature The monarch was originally described by Linnaeus as Papilio plexippus in 1758. Later that century Jan Krzysztof Kluk transferred it to the new genus Danaus, where it now resides. Nevertheless, during the intervening centuries several other scientific names now of purely historical interest were used, including D. archippus, D. menippe, and Anosia plexippus. The name "monarch" is believed to be given in honor of King William III of England, whose secondary title Prince of Orange makes a reference to the butterfly's main color.Adams Jean Ruth Insect Potpourri: Adventures in Entomology https://books.google.com/?id=KcqQ1rPZyRoC&pg=PA28 1992 CRC Press 978-1-877743-09-2 28–29 Other common names depending on region include milkweed, common tiger, wanderer, and black veined brown.Danaus plexippus, funet.fi Description Monarchs' wingspans range from 8.9 to(-) 10.2 cm.Garber Steven D. The Urban Naturalist https://books.google.com/?id=3w_X0A_Kq0gC&pg=PA76 1998 Courier Dover Publications 978-0-486-40399-1 76–79 The uppersides of their wings are tawny orange, with black veins. The wing margins are also black, and contain two series of small white spots. Monarch forewings likewise possess a few orange spots near their tips. Wing undersides are similar to their upper surfaces, but the tips of the forewings and hindwings are yellow brown and the white spots are larger.Braby Michael F. Butterflies of Australia: Their Identification, Biology and Distribution https://books.google.com/?id=_GjN8R9V-nsC&pg=PA597 2000 CSIRO Publishing 978-0-643-06591-8 597–599 Monarch flight has been described as "slow and sailing".Klots Alexander B. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of North America, East of the Great Plains https://archive.org/details/fieldguidetobutt00alex registration 1951 Houghton Mifflin Company Boston 978-0395078655 78, 79 Tenth Although they have six legs like all insects, monarchs are members of the Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies), and their first pair of legs are non-functional evolutionary relics held tight against their body. Darby Gene What is a Butterfly Benefic Press Chicago 1958 10 Gallery Variation Variation Adults are sexually dimorphic. The shape and color of the wings change at the beginning of the migration and appear redder and more elongated than later migrants.Satterfield Dara A. Davis Andrew K. Variation in wing characteristics of monarch butterflies during migration: Earlier migrants have redder and more elongated wings Animal Migration April 2014 2 1 10.2478/ami-2014-0001 Wings size and shape differ between migratory and non-migratory monarchs. Monarchs from eastern North America have larger and more angular forewings than those in the western population.Xerces Society http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/invertebrates/pdfs/Monarch_ESA_Petition.pdf Petition to protect the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus) under the endangered species act 1 September 2014 Sexual dimorphism of monarchs Female Male Description frameless|center|upright|Adult female. frameless|center|upright|Adult male. Males are slightly larger than females and have a black patch or spot of androconial scales on each hindwing. The male's black wing veins are lighter and narrower than those of females.http://www.dbc.uci.edu/~pjbryant/biodiv/lepidopt/danaidae/monarchm.htm Monarch, Danaus plexippus 27 August 2008 dead https://archive.today/20121215095741/http://www.dbc.uci.edu/~pjbryant/biodiv/lepidopt/danaidae/monarchm.htm 15 December 2012 dmy-all Varieties of monarchs Caterpillar Chrysalis Adult Description frameless|center|upright Taxon Danaus plexippus plexippus D. p. plexippus form nivosus, or the white monarch. Caterpillar pictured. frameless|center|upright D. p. plexippus form nivosus chrysalis. frameless|center|upright D. p. plexippus form nivosus adult. Known informally as the "white monarch", but called nivosus by lepidopterists. It is grayish white in all areas of its wings that are normally orange and is only about 1% or less of all monarchs, but populations as high as 10% exist on Oahu in Hawaii. Also observed in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and the United States.Gibbs Lawrence Taylor, O.R. The White Monarch Department of Entomology University of Kansas 1998 http://monarchwatch.org/read/articles/nivosus.htm 17 July 2014 Identification Identification The monarch is closely related to several similar-looking butterfly species whose ranges abut or overlap with its own. It also has a Müllerian mimicry Müllerian mimic, the viceroy, whose similar toxicity and coloration discourages predators from hunting either species. Taxa similar to monarchs Similar caterpillar Similar chrysalis Similar adult Distinctions frameless|center|upright Taxon Danaus cleophile, or Jamaican monarch. No compatibly-licensed caterpillar image is currently available. frameless|center|upright D. cleophile chrysalis. No compatibly-licensed chrysalis image is currently available. frameless|center|upright D. cleophile adult. Brief note on connection between taxon and article taxon, caterpillar distinctions, chrysalis distinctions, adult distinctions. frameless|center|upright Taxon Danaus erippus, or southern monarch. Caterpillar pictured. frameless|center|upright D. erippus chrysalis. frameless|center|upright D. erippus adult. Brief note on connection between taxon and article taxon, caterpillar distinctions, chrysalis distinctions, adult distinctions. frameless|center|upright Taxon Danaus gilippus, or queen. Caterpillar pictured. frameless|center|upright=0.5 D. gilippus chrysalis. frameless|center|upright D. gilippus adult. Brief note on connection between taxon and article taxon, caterpillar distinctions, chrysalis distinctions, adult distinctions. frameless|center|upright Taxon Limenitis archippus, or viceroy. Caterpillar pictured. frameless|center|upright L. archippus chrysalis. frameless|center|upright L. archippus adult. Brief note on connection between taxon and article taxon, caterpillar distinctions, chrysalis distinctions, adult distinctions. frameless|center|upright Taxon Speyeria coronis, or coronis fritillary. Caterpillar pictured. frameless|center|upright S. coronis chrysalis. frameless|center|upright S. coronis adult. Brief note on connection between taxon and article taxon, caterpillar distinctions, chrysalis distinctions, adult distinctions. frameless|center|upright Taxon Speyeria cybele, or great spangled fritillary. Caterpillar pictured. frameless|center|upright S. cybele chrysalis. frameless|center|upright S. cybele adult. Brief note on connection between taxon and article taxon, caterpillar distinctions, chrysalis distinctions, adult distinctions. frameless|center|upright Taxon Speyeria idalia, or regal fritillary. Caterpillar pictured. frameless|center|upright S. idalia chrysalis. frameless|center|upright S. idalia adult. Brief note on connection between taxon and article taxon, caterpillar distinctions, chrysalis distinctions, adult distinctions. Encourage Monarchs obtain moisture and minerals from damp soil and wet gravel, a behavior known as mud-puddling. Benefactor herbs Benefactor herbs for monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Apocynum cannabinum, or Indian hemp. Flower and leaves pictured. Nectar source.Iftner, David C.; Shuey, John A. and Calhoun, John C. (1992). Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio. College of Biological Sciences and The Ohio State University. 0-86727-107-8 Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Apocynum cannabinum grows in open wooded areas, ditches, and hillsides. It is found in gravelly or sandy soil, mainly near streams in shady or moist places.Jan 4, 2015 It flowers from July to August, has large sepals, and a five-lobed white corolla. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias amplexicaulis, or clasping milkweed. Flower pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is endemic to the United States, where it is mostly found east of the Great Plains. It grows in dry prairies, savannas, open woods, and fallow fields, usually in sandy soil. It grows 1–3 ft high and produces flowers in the summer. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias angustifolia, or Arizona milkweed. Caterpillar host plant.Plant Milkweed for Monarchs https://web.archive.org/web/20150521014203/http://monarchjointventure.org/images/uploads/documents/MilkweedFactSheetFINAL.pdf 21 May 2015 http://monarchjointventure.org/images/uploads/documents/MilkweedFactSheetFINAL.pdf MONARCH JOINT VENTURE Partnering across the U.S. to conserve the monarch migration Monarch Joint Venture 7 July 2015 dead dmy-all Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias asperula, the antelope horns. Flower pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In cultivation, this species favors quickly-draining soil that is higher in inorganic matter, such as sand and rock chips. It can grow in loam and clay, if provided with adequate drainage and frequent-enough dryness.http://www.seedsource.com/catalog/detail.asp?product_id=3068 Asclepias asperula — Antelope Horn 2019 Plant Finder Native American Seed 21 January 2019 Moisture level demands and tolerance depend upon the subspecies and possibly ecotype. The plant has a deep taproot. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias californica, or California milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Asclepias californica is native to California and northern Baja California. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias cordifolia, or heart-leaf milkeweed. Flowers pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to the western United States (California, Nevada, Oregon), growing between 50 to 2000 m ft on elevation in the northern Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. Heart-leaf milkweed is a perennial that grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.6 m ft on 1, with dark red-purple flowers.Jepson Manual The plant grows in open or shaded woodland, often on rocky slopes and in mixed coniferous forest. It blooms from May to July. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias curassavica, the scarlet milkweed. Flowers and leaves pictured. Year-round plantings in the USA are controversial and criticised, as they may be the cause of new overwintering sites along the U.S. Gulf Coast, leading to year-round breeding of monarchs.10.1155/2010/689301 Citizen Science Observations of Monarch Butterfly Overwintering in the Southern United States Psyche: A Journal of Entomology 2010 1 2010 Howard Elizabeth Aschen Harlen Davis Andrew K. This is thought to adversely affect migration patterns, and to cause a dramatic buildup of the dangerous parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha.25589600 4308991 2015 Satterfield D. A. Loss of migratory behaviour increases infection risk for a butterfly host Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 282 1801 20141734 Maerz J. C. Altizer S 10.1098/rspb.2014.1734. New research also has shown that monarch larvae reared on tropical milkweed show reduced migratory development (reproductive diapause), and when migratory adults are exposed to tropical milkweed, it stimulates reproductive tissue growth - https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/10/8/253/htm Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias curtissii, the Curtiss' milkweed. Flower pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. endemic to Florida's sandy areas. reaching up to 2–4 feet tall. bright white when they bloom. Although Asclepias curtissii isn't usually associated with monarch butterflies as a food source, monarchs can feed off of it and will if the need arises. Curtiss's milkweed lives in the excessively drained parts of Florida. Curtiss's milkweed has a very high tolerance for soil disturbance, often being found along the edges of fire lanes and sand roads. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias eriocarpa, the woollypod Milkweed. Flowers and leaves pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Asclepias eriocarpa is native to California and adjacent parts of Nevada and Baja California, where it grows in many habitat types, especially dry areas. It is one of the most poisonous milkweeds. Each flower is white to cream and usually tinted with bright pink. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias erosa, the desert milkweed. Flowers pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to southern California, Arizona, and northern Baja California, where it is most abundant in the desert regions. yellowish or cream-colored flowers. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias exaltata, the poke milkweed. Flower pictured. Caterpillar host plant.Allen Thomas J. 1997 Bonta Marcia The Butterflies of West Virginia and Their Caterppillars Pitt Series in Nature and Natural History English Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh Press 388 9780822956570 Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It blooms from late spring to early summer. The flowers are green and white. Poke milkweed is found in moist woodland habitats. It grows in moist soil and sunny or partly shaded places. It grows from 0.6 to 1.5 m ft us tall.Cullina W. 2000 Wildflowers: A Guide to Growing and Propagating Native Flowers of North America The New England Wildflower Society 0-395-96609-4 frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias fascicularis, the narrow-leaf Milkweed. Flower pictured close-up. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The plant is a common perennial in the Western United States and Baja California.USDA It is found in numerous habitats, including deserts, chaparral and woodlands, and montane locales below 7000 ft m. It blooms in clusters of lavender, pale pink, purple, white, to greenish shades of flowers. However, it provides around zero cardenolide content, a set of protective chemicals that reduce the virulence of the OE parasite and bird predation. drought tolerant gardens and natural landscaping projects. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias humistrata, the sandhill milkweed. Flower pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It blooms in spring and summer. The flowers are pink lavender and white.Rufino Osorieo (2001). A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants. University Press of Florida. 0-8130-1852-8 It is found in well-drained areas such as sandy woodlands, sandy hills, and Florida scrub. Sandhill milkweed likes dry soil and sunny places. It grows from 0.3 to 0.9 m ft us tall.William Cullina (2000). Wildflowers: A Guide to Growing and Propagating Native Flowers of North America. The New England Wildflower Society. 0-395-96609-4 frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias incarnata, the swamp milkweed. Flower pictured. Preferred caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It grows in damp to wet soils and also is cultivated as a garden plant for its flowers, which attract butterflies and other pollinators with nectar. Swamp milkweed is an upright, 100 to 150 cm tall plant,Dickinson T. Metsger D. Bull J. Dickinson R. 2004 The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario Toronto Royal Ontario Museum 136 0771076525 54691765 The plants bloom in early to mid-summer, producing small, fragrant, pink to mauve (sometimes white) colored flowers in rounded umbels. The flower color may vary from darker shades of purple to soft, pinkish purple and a white flowering form exists as well. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/floramw/species/asclinca.htm Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center USGS August 3, 2006 March 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090513043529/http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/floramw/species/asclinca.htm 13 May 2009 live Swamp milkweed prefers moisture retentive to damp soils in full sun to partial shade and is typically found growing wild near the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and low areas—or along ditches.http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=G410 Asclepias incarnata Kemper Center for Home Gardening Missouri Botanical Garden. March 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090401221908/http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=G410 1 April 2009 live It is one of the best attractors of the monarch butterfly, which feeds on the flowers and lays her eggs on the plants. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias nivea, the Caribbean milkweed. Flowers pictured. Caterpillar host plant.https://web.archive.org/web/20150707204139/https://sites.google.com/site/gardeningforbutterflies/asclepias-nivea 7 July 2015 https://sites.google.com/site/gardeningforbutterflies/asclepias-nivea Asclepias nivea butterfly gardening & all things milkweed 7 July 2015 Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias oenotheroides, or zizotes milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to the south-western United States and Central America.http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:94504-1 Asclepias oenotheroides Schltdl. & Cham. Plants of the World Online Kew Science Plants of the World Online 2020-01-11https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASOE Plants Profile for Asclepias oenotheroides (zizotes milkweed) plants.usda.gov 2020-01-11 frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias perennis, or aquatic milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias physocarpa, the Swan Plant. Seed pods and leaves pictured. check name Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. check name The plant is native to southeast Africa, but it has been widely naturalized. Gomphocarpus physocarpus is an undershrub perennial herb, that can grow to over six feet. The plant blooms in warm months. It grows on roadside banks, at elevations of 2800 to 5000 feet above sea level. The plant prefers moderate moisture, as well as sandy and well-drained soil and full sun. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias purpurascens, the purple milkweed. Buds and flowers pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern United States he plant gets its name from the flowers that first develop a pink color but then turn darker purple as they mature. Unlike common milkweed, purple milkweed prefers some shade and is considered a plant of partial shade. It is also considered an indicator of oak savanna, especially in Wisconsin.http://pleasantvalleyconservancy.org/pdf/Purple%20milkweed%20paper.pdf It is listed endangered in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, as historical to Rhode Island, and as a special concern species in Connecticut"Connecticut's Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species 2015". State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources. Retrieved 31 December 2017.(Note: This list is newer than the one used by plants.usda.gov and is more up-to-date.) and Tennessee.https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=aspu2 Plants Profile for Asclepias purpurascens (Purple milkweed) plants.usda.gov 31 December 2017 frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias quadrifolia, the fourleaf milkweed or whorled milkweed. Flower pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The plant occurs in the eastern United States and Canada. The plant is small and slender compared to other milkweeds at only 45 cm tall.http://www.missouriplants.com/Pinkopp/Asclepias_quadrifolia_page.html Missouri Plants Pale pink to white flowers are borne in rounded, usually pendulous clusters from the leaf axils and terminus. The fruit is a follicle or pod which is very slender, 3.2 to 5.6 inches long, 1/4 to 1/3 thick, lacking tubercles, minutely hairy to glabrous; seeds broadly oval, to 1/3 inch long, tufted with white to tan hairs at tips.http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=367 [Kansas Wildflowers] Unlike more commonly known species such as common milkweed or butterflyweed, fourleaf milkweed is a woodland denizen. It usually occurs in dry, rocky open forest. It is frequently found on upland slopes.http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/whorled-milkweed-fourleaf-milkweed Archived copy 2015-09-19 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140419174747/http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/whorled-milkweed-fourleaf-milkweed 2014-04-19 [Missouri Department of Conservation] frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias speciosa, the showy milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. and is found in the Western half of North America. pale pink through pinkish-purple flowers This species flowers from May through September. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias subulata, or rush milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. This is an erect perennial herb which loses its leaves early in the season and stands as a cluster of naked stalks. Atop the stems are inflorescences of distinctive cream-white flowers. The fruit is pouchlike and contains many flat, oval seeds with long, silky hairlike plumes. This milkweed is native to the desert southwest of the United States and northern Mexico. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias subverticillata, the horsetail milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Asclepias subverticillata is indigenous to New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah and parts of some nearby stateshttps://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASSU2 Plants Profile for Asclepias subverticillata (horsetail milkweed) plants.usda.gov 2019-10-26. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias syriaca, the common milkweed. Flowers pictured. Preferred caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Common milkweed is a clonal perennial herb growing up to 2.6 m ft on tall. The highly fragrant, nectariferous flowers vary from white (rarely) through pinkish and purplish and occur in umbellate cymes.Liede, S., and F. Weberling. 1995. Plant Systematics and Evolution. 197: 99–109.Lawrence, G. H. M. 1951. Taxonomy of Vascular Plants. Macmillan Company, New York, NY. 823 pp. This plant can become invasive; it is naturalized in several areas outside of its native range, including Oregon and parts of Europe. Plant A. syriaca or its seeds in a sunny location with good drainage and moist soil. The species spreads by both cloning from rhizomes and by sprouting from seeds. Plants start to spread by both methods within a few years. Female monarchs frequently lay their eggs on small, tender shoots, and larvae favor such shoots as food. As monarch reproduction peaks in late summer when A. syriaca leaves are usually old and tough, cut back the plants in June - August to assure that they will produce new shoots at that time. Retain some mature plants that will later distribute their seeds and whose leaves will feed rhizomes that will produce next year's shoots. This species is native to southern Canada and of much of the conterminous eastern U.S., east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding the drier parts of the prairies. It grows in sandy soils and other kinds of soils in sunny areas. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias tuberosa, the butterfly milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is not a preferred host plant of the monarch butterfly but caterpillars can be reared on it successfully. However, it is one of the very lowest Asclepias species in cardenolide content, making it a poor source of protection from bird predation and parasite virulence. It is a perennial plant growing to 0.3 - 1 m tall, with clustered orange or yellow flowers from early summer to early autumn. This plant favors dry, sand or gravel soil, but has also been reported on stream margins. It requires full sun. Most easily propagated by seed. Sown outdoors after frost, a plant will flower and produce seed in the third year. Difficult to transplant once established.Loewer, Peter 'Native Perennials For the Southeast' Cool Springs Press. Nashville, Tenn. 2005 1-59186-121-7Druse, Ken 'Making More Plants The Science, Art, and Joy of Propagation' Abrams. New York, NY. 2012 0-517-70787-X frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias variegata, or white milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to eastern North America, where it is found in Canada and the United States.ref Asclepias variegata 14 October 2017 It is most common in the Southeastern United States, and becomes rare in the northern edge of its range. Its natural habitat is forest openings and savannas, often in sandy soils.Yatskievych George 2006 Flora of Missouri, Volume 2 Missouri Botanical Garden Press 156–157 It produces small white flowers with purplish centers that area crowded into round, terminal clusters.https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASVA Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin wildflower.org 27 August 2017 It flowers in early summer. It is endangered in the states of New York, and Pennsylvania.https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASVA Plants Profile for Asclepias variegata (Redring milkweed) plants.usda.gov 30 December 2017 It is listed as a special concern species and believed extirpated in Connecticut."Connecticut's Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species 2015". State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources. Retrieved 31 December 2017.(Note: This list is newer than the one used by plants.usda.gov and is more up-to-date.) frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Asclepias verticillata, the whorled milkweed. Flower and leaves pictured. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. native to most all of eastern North America and parts of western Canada and the United States. 12 January 2018 This is a perennial herb with a single stem 6 inches to 3 feet tall. The very narrow, linear leaves are arranged in whorls of 4–6 with short internodes. The inflorescence is an umbel of 7–20 greenish white flowers.prairie/plantx/wh_milkweedx Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)ASVE Asclepias verticillata This species can reproduce vegetatively and does not depend on pollinators, but it does produce some nectar, mostly in the early evening hours. Insect visitors to the plant include wasps, honeybees, and lepidopterans such as moths and the cabbage white.Willson, M. F., et al. (1979). Nectar production and flower visitors of Asclepias verticillata. American Midland Naturalist 102(1) 23–35. The plant is toxic to livestock. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias vestita, or wooly milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is endemic to California, where it grows in many habitats across the state, from mountains to desert to valley. This is a robust perennial herb growing mostly upright or slightly bending. The stem and leaves often have a coat of light-colored hairs, sometimes thick and woolly. The inflorescence is an umbel-shaped array to a spherical cluster of yellowish flowers. The flowers may be tinted with brown or purple. The fruit is a large yellowish follicle containing many silky-haired seeds. frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias viridis, or green antelopehorn milkweed. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to the southcentral and southeastern United States.http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Asclepias+viridis Asclepias viridis NatureServe This milkweed is a perennial herb with alternately arranged leaves. The inflorescence is an umbel of white flowers with purplish centers.http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_asvi2.pdf Asclepias viridis USDA Plant Guide Its root system is a taproot,ASVI2 like that of butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). This species grows on many types of soil. This, like some other milkweed species, is a host plant for the monarch butterfly.Van Hook, T. and M. P. Zalucki. (1991). Oviposition by Danaus plexippus (Nymphalidae: Danainae) on Asclepias viridis in northern Florida.October 2016 InternetArchiveBot yes Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society 45(3) 215-21. frameless|center|upright Taxon Cirsium, or thistle. Taxon Cirsium altissimum C. altissimum flowers pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The species is native to the eastern and Central United States, with a range extending from Massachusetts west to North Dakota and south to Texas and the Florida Panhandle.Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map Cirsium altissimum is, as the name implies, a tall herb, sometimes reaching as much as 400 cm (160 inches or 13 1/3 feet). It is a biennial or perennial, blooming only once before dying. Sometimes there is only one flower head but more often more, with pink or purple (rarely white) disc florets but no ray florets. The species grows in prairies, open woodlands, and disturbed sites.Flora of North America, Tall or roadside thistle, Cirsium altissimum (Linnaeus) Sprengel frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Daucus carota, or wild carrot. Flowers pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. a white, flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia, and naturalized to North America and Australia. The wild carrot is a herbaceous, somewhat variable biennial plant that grows between 30 and 60 cm ft 1 on tall, The flowers are small and dull white, clustered in flat, dense umbels. The umbels are approximately 3 - 4 in cm 0 wide.https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/daucus-carota/ Daucus carota plants.ces.ncsu.edu 2017-03-31 However, the states of Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Washington have listed it as a noxious weed,USDA PLANTS. PLANTS Profile for Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace. Retrieved June 11, 2007. frameless|center|upright Taxon Echinacea, or coneflowers. Taxon Echinacea purpurea E. purpurea flowers with an Taxon Papilio glaucus eastern tiger swallowtail pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The genus Echinacea has ten species, which are commonly called coneflowers. They are found only in eastern and central North America, where they grow in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. They have large, showy heads of composite flowers, blooming from early to late summer. frameless|center|upright Taxon Erigeron canadensis, or horseweed. Flower pictured. check name Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Horseweed originated in North America and is very widespread there,Biota of North America Program, 2014 county distribution map, Erigeron canadensis but has spread to inhabited areas of most of the temperate zone of Asia,Flora of China, Erigeron canadensis Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 863. 1753. 小蓬草 xiao peng cao Europe,Altervista Flora Italiana, Cespica canadese, avoadinha, Berufkraut, Erigeron canadensis L. includes photos and European distribution map and Australia.Atlas of Living Australia, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist Canadian Fleabane frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Eupatorium maculatum, or spotted Joe-Pye weed. Flower pictured. check name Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Eutrochium maculatum is a North American species of flowering plants in the sunflower family. It is widespread through much of the United States and Canada.Eutrochium maculatum, Natural Resources Canada It is the only species of the genus found west of the Great Plains.Eutrochium maculatum 2014 Eutrochium maculatum is a herbaceous perennial sometimes growing as high as 2 m 0 on. Stems are sometimes completely purple, sometimes green with purple spots. One plant can produce numerous rose-purple flower heads in late summer, each head with 8-22 disc flowers but no ray flowers.RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants 2008 Dorling Kindersley United Kingdom 1405332964 1136 Spotted Joe-Pye weed thrives in marshes, rich fens and swamps. Above all else the plant flourishes in the non-shaded environments that are also abundant in wetlands.Eutrochium maculatum var. maculatum http://atlas.nyflora.org/ecology.asp?plantID=6992 New York Flora Association 2005 2008-09-24 August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes 1 250066768 Eutrochium maculatum Eupatorieae Eric E. Lamont frameless|center|upright Taxon Eupatorium perfoliatum, or common boneset. Flower pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is a common native to the Eastern United States and Canada, widespread from Nova Scotia to Florida, west as far as Texas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, and Manitoba.1 242416531 Eupatorium perfoliatum Kunsiri Chaw Siripun Edward E. Schilling 21ref Eupatorium perfoliatum It is nearly always found in low, wet areas. Eupatorium perfoliatum grows up to 100 cm in in tall, with leaves that clasp the stems. The plant produces dense clusters of tiny white flower heads held above the foliage. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Hesperis matronalis, or dame's rocket. Flower pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. These plants are biennials or short-lived perennials, native to Eurasia and cultivated in many other areas of the world for their attractive, spring-blooming flowers. In some of those areas, it has escaped from cultivation and become a weed species.Britton, N. F. Brown, Addison An illustrated flora of the northern United States and Canada: from Newfoundland to the parallel of the southern boundary of Virginia, and from the Atlantic Ocean westward to the 102d meridian 1970 Dover Publications New York 978-0-486-22643-9 175 Hesperis matronalis grows 100 cm or taller, with multiple upright, hairy stems. The plants have showy blooms in early to mid spring. The plentiful, fragrant flowers are produced in large, showy, terminal racemes that can be 30+ cm tall and elongate as the flowers of the inflorescence bloom. When stems have both flowers and fruits, the weight sometimes causes the stems to bend. Each flower is large (2 cm across), with four petals. Flower coloration varies, with different shades of lavender and purple most common, but white, pink, and even some flowers with mixed colors exist in cultivated forms. A few different double-flowered varieties also exist.http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenecd89.html Explore Cornell - Home Gardening - Flower Growing Guides - Growing Guide www.gardening.cornell.edu Hesperis matronalis has been a cultivated species for a long time, and grows best in full sun to partial shade where soils are moist with good drainage.http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=D200 Help for the Home Gardener www.mobot.org It is undemanding and self-seeds quickly, forming dense stands. Extensive monotypic stands of dame's rocket are visible from great distances; these dense collections of plants have the potential to crowd out native species when growing outside of cultivated areas. Hesperis matronalis is propagated by seeds, but desirable individuals, including the double-flowering forms, are propagated from cuttings or division of the clumps. IRELAND: An "escape" to be found in many areas of Ireland, including Belfast.Beesley, S. and Wilde, J. (1997). "Urban Flora of Belfast" The Institute of Irish Studies and The Queen's University of Belfast and other areas of Ireland.Scannell, M. J.P. and Synnott, D.M. (1972). "Census Catalogue of the Flora of Ireland." Dublin: The Stationery Office NORTH AMERICA: H. matronalis grows throughout most of the U.S. and Canada. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) website has a map showing states and provinces in which the plant has been found.http://plants.usda.gov Colorado: noxious weed (on B-list), with plans for eradication or management varying by area and year Connecticut: invasive and banned, e.g. illegal to move, sell, purchase, transplant, cultivate, or distribute Massachusetts: prohibited Wisconsin: Restricted – an invasive species that is already widely established in the state and causes or has the potential to cause significant environmental or economic harm. In Alberta, Canada it is considered a noxious weed, meaning its growth or spread needs to be prevented.https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/pests/dames-rocket.aspx Dame's Rocket Edmonton City of 2018-02-08 www.edmonton.ca en 2018-02-08 frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Liatris, or blazing star. Taxon Liatris spicata L. spicata flower pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. frameless|center|upright Taxon Medicago sativa, or alfalfa. Flowers pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The plant grows to a height of up to 1 m ft on, and has a deep root system, sometimes growing to a depth of more than 15 m ft on to reach groundwater. Typically the root system grows to a depth of 2–3 metres depending on subsoil constraints. Owing to deep root system, it helps to improve soil nitrogen fertility and protect from soil erosion.LATRACH Lahbib FARISSI Mohamed MAURADI Mohammed MAKOUDI Bouchra BOUIZGAREN Abdelaziz GHOULAM Cherki 2014 Growth and nodulation of alfalfa-rhizobia symbiosis under salinity: electrolyte leakage, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 38 320–326 10.3906/tar-1305-52 1300-011X Like other legumes, its root nodules contain bacteria, Sinorhizobium meliloti, with the ability to fix nitrogen, producing a high-protein feed regardless of available nitrogen in the soil.http://cmgm.stanford.edu/~mbarnett/genome.htm Sinorhizobium meliloti genome home Cmgm.stanford.edu 29 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110519030012/http://cmgm.stanford.edu/~mbarnett/genome.htm 19 May 2011 dead Its nitrogen-fixing ability (which increases soil nitrogen) and its use as an animal feed greatly improve agricultural efficiency.https://portal.sciencesocieties.org/Downloads/pdf/B40724.pdf Nitrogen Fixation in Crop Production portal.sciencesocities.org 19 April 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120324033638/https://portal.sciencesocieties.org/Downloads/pdf/B40724.pdf 24 March 2012 dmy-all http://alfalfa.ucdavis.edu/-files/pdf/alfalfaFactSheet.pdf Commodity Fact Sheet Alfalfa Information compiled by the California Alfalfa and Forage Association Alfalfa.ucdavis.edu 19 April 2013 Alfalfa can be sown in spring or fall, and does best on well-drained soils with a neutral pH of 6.8–7.5.http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/files/299.htm UCANR Web Sites Cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu 29 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110131223040/http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/files/299.htm 31 January 2011 dead dmy-all http://forageresearch.tamu.edu/1985/CloverEstablishmentGrowth.pdf Archived copy 2010-05-08 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100626144328/http://forageresearch.tamu.edu/1985/CloverEstablishmentGrowth.pdf 26 June 2010 Alfalfa requires sustained levels of potassium and phosphorus to grow well.http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-331-W.pdf Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization of Alfalfa Ces.purdue.edu 19 April 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120226233221/http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-331-W.pdf 26 February 2012 dmy-all It is moderately sensitive to salt levels in both the soil and irrigation water.G4555 Managing Manure on Alfalfa Hay | University of Missouri Extension. Extension.missouri.edu. Retrieved on 17 October 2011.http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/studies/mrb/salinity_briefing_sheet.pdf New Findings on Salinity in Streams and Ground Water in the Southwestern United States Water.usgs.gov 19 April 2013http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1129.pdf Growing Alfalfa for Seed in Arizona Ag.arizona.edu 19 April 2013 Soils low in fertility should be fertilized with manure or a chemical fertilizer, but correction of pH is particularly important.Fertilizing Alfalfa in Minnesota https://web.archive.org/web/20100617020013/http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC3814.html 17 June 2010 . Extension.umn.edu. Retrieved on 17 October 2011. Alfalfa is considered an insectary, a place where insects are reared, and has been proposed as helpful to other crops, such as cotton, if the two are interplanted, because the alfalfa harbours predatory and parasitic insects that would protect the other crop. Alfalfa as an insectary for beneficial insects Thomas F. Leigh http://alfalfa.ucdavis.edu/+symposium/proceedings/1991/91-49.pdf n.d. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Dipsacus sylvestris, or teasel. check name Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, but it is known in the Americas, southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand as an introduced species and often a noxious weed. It forms large monocultures (displacing other species) in areas it invades that have favorable climates and none of its biological control species. It is a herbaceous biennial plant (rarely a short-lived perennial plant) growing to 1 - 2.5 m ft tall. The seeds are an important winter food resource for some birds, notably the European goldfinch. Teasels are often grown in gardens and encouraged on some nature reserves to attract them.http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/goldfinch/garden.aspx Advice from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on how to attract Goldfinch to your garden with teasel October 16, 2011 frameless|center|upright Taxon Solidago, or goldenrod. Taxon Solidago virgaurea S. virgaurea flower pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Solidago, commonly called goldenrods, is a genus of about 100http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=130659 Solidago Flora of North America to 120Solidago. Flora of China. species of flowering plants in the aster family, Asteraceae. Most are herbaceous perennial species found in open areas such as meadows, prairies, and savannas. They are mostly native to North America, including Mexico; a few species are native to South America and Eurasia. Some American species have also been introduced into Europe and other parts of the world. Solidago species are perennials growing from woody caudices or rhizomes. Their stems range from decumbent (crawling) to ascending or erect, with a range of heights going from 5 cm on to over a meter. The many goldenrod species can be difficult to distinguish, due to their similar bright, golden-yellow flower heads that bloom in late summer. Propagation is by wind-disseminated seeds or by spreading underground rhizomes which can form colonies of vegetative clones of a single plant. They are mostly short-day plants and bloom in late summer and early fall. Some species produce abundant nectar when moisture is plentiful, or when the weather is warm and sunny. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Tagetes, the marigolds. Taxon Tagetes erecta T. davidii, the Mexican marigold pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Tagetes is a genusSoule, J. A. 1996. Infrageneric Systematics of Tagetes. Pgs. 435-443 in Compositae: Systematics, Proceedings of the International Compositae Conference, Kew 1994, Vol. I, Eds. D.J.N. Hind & H.J. Beentje. of annual or perennial, mostly herbaceous plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The genus is native of south of Mexico, but some species have become naturalized around the world. One species, T. minuta, is considered a noxious invasive plant in some areas. Tagetes species vary in size from 0.1 to 2.2 m tall. Blooms naturally occur in golden, orange, yellow, and white colors, often with maroon highlights. Floral heads are typically (1-) to 4–6 cm diameter, generally with both ray florets and disc florets. In horticulture, they tend to be planted as annuals, although the perennial species are gaining popularity. They have fibrous roots. Depending on the species, Tagetes species grow well in almost any sort of soil. Most horticultural selections grow best in soil with good drainage, even though some cultivars are known to have good tolerance to drought.Cicevan R, Al Hassan M, Sestras AF, Prohens J, Vicente O, Sestras RE, Boscaiu M. (2016) Screening for drought tolerance in cultivars of the ornamental genus Tagetes (Asteraceae) PeerJ 4:e2133 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2133 Tagetes species are hence often used in companion planting for tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, tobacco, and potato. Due to antibacterial thiophenes exuded by the roots, Tagetes should not be planted near any legume crop.Soule, J. A. 1993. Biosystematics of Tagetes (Compositae). Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Texas. Some of the perennial species are deer-, rabbit-, rodent- and javalina or peccary-resistant. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Trifolium pratense, or red clover. Flower pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Trifolium pratense, the red clover,BSBI List 2007 Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland http://www.bsbi.org.uk/BSBIList2007.xls xls https://www.webcitation.org/6VqJ46atN 2015-01-25 2014-10-17 dead TRPR2 Trifolium pratense 15 December 2015 is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalised in many other regions. Red clover is a herbaceous, short-lived perennial plant, variable in size, growing to 20–80 cm in 0 on tall. It has a deep taproot which makes it tolerant to drought and gives it a good soil structuring effect.https://extension.psu.edu/red-clover Red Clover extension.psu.edu en 2018-03-14 The red clover is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but it has been naturalized in other continents, like North and South America. It is widely grown as a fodder crop, valued for its nitrogen fixation, which increases soil fertility. For these reasons, it is used as a green manure crop. Red clover's flowers and leaves are edible, and can be added as garnishes to any dish.https://www.ediblewildfood.com/red-clover.aspx Red Clover: Pictures, Flowers, Leaves and Identification Trifolium pratense www.ediblewildfood.com 2019-02-15 They can be ground into a flour. The flowers often are used to make jelly and tisanes, and are used in essiac recipes. Their essential oil may be extracted and its unique scent used in aromatherapy. frameless|center|upright Taxon Vernonia altissima, or tall ironweed. Flower pictured. check name Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Vernonia gigantea (also known as giant ironweed, tall ironweedCommon names or ironweedhttp://www.goodnessgrows.com/id367.html Vernonia gigantea - Ironweed Goodness Grows September 7, 2012) is a species of perennial plant from family Asteraceae found in United States and Canada. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VEGI Vernonia gigantea PLANTS Profile USDA September 7, 2012 The plant is native to the eastern United States, north to New York state and Ontario, and southwest to Texas. They are described as 3–7 feet tall, http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/tl_ironweed.htm Tall Ironweed Illinois Wild Flowers September 7, 2012 or 5-10 by 1–2 feet. The flowers bloom from July to September and are purple coloured. They can be found growing in moist soils by the roadsides, and are common in the meadows and open woodlands. The seeds are wind-dispersed. The plant is self-incompatible.Lowell Urbatsch http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1396&context=tnas A Study Of Ecotypes In Vernonia Gigantea Gigantea (Compositae) Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies 188 1973 10 October 2015 Benefactor vines Benefactor vines for monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Cynanchum laeva, the sand vine. Flower pictured. check name Caterpillar host plant.Butterfly Gardening. kansasnativeplants.com Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Cynanchum laeve is a vining perennial herb native to eastern and central U.S. states and Ontario. Common names include sand vine, honeyvine, honeyvine milkweed, bluevine milkweed, climbing milkweed, and smooth swallow-wort.http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2751219 Cynanchum laeve (Michx.) Pers. — The Plant List www.theplantlist.org en 2018-11-28 The root system of C. laeve can cause it to be very difficult to eradicate, especially in agricultural fields.http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/single_weed.php?id=71 Ohio Weedguide www.oardc.ohio-state.edu en 2018-11-28 It is a larval food of monarch butterfliesKansas Native Plants: Butterfly Gardening and milkweed tussock moth larvae.https://search.proquest.com/docview/2043654059C. laeve can cause eye irritation if touched and can stop your heart if consumed.http://www.eattheweeds.com/ufos-2/ Common Non-Edible Plants - Eat The Weeds and other things, too Eat The Weeds and other things, too 2018-11-28 en-US This can be especially problematic in livestock.Delserone Leslie M. 2014-07-03 The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (http://www.xerces.org) Journal of Agricultural & Food Information 15 3 153–158 10.1080/10496505.2014.924378 1049-6505 Like bindweed and some other members of the Convolvulaceae, Cynanchum laeve is a twining vine with heart-shaped leaves and commonly found in roadsides, fence rows, fields, and disturbed areas. However, C. laeve is easily recognized as a member of the Apocynaceae by its opposite leaves,http://www.missouriplants.com/whiteopp/Cynanchum_laeve_page.html Cynanchum laeve page www.missouriplants.com 2018-11-28 milky sap, and distinctive flowers and follicles ("milkweed pods"). The seeds are wind dispersed and can travel long distances. The root system is fleshy and brittle with a large taproot with other lateral roots, these roots can grow up through 6 feet deep. Developing stems are a light pink and produce a milky sap when broken. Vase-shaped flowers have 5 white petals. These occur in clusters on short stalks. C. laeve flowers from June through September. Cynanchum laeve occurs in the eastern and central United States and Ontario, Canada.http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/seflora/firstviewer.htm US Southeast flora atlas www.herbarium.unc.edu 2018-11-28 C. laeve can be found in wetland areas in the arid West, Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, Eastern mountain and Piedmont, the Great Plains, Midwest, and the North Central and North Eastern United States.https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=152 Maryland Biodiversity Project - Honey Vine (Cynanchum laeve) www.marylandbiodiversity.com 2018-11-28http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant.aspx?id=3741 Cynanchum laeve - Species Details Atlas of Florida Plants 2018-11-28 Cynanchum laeve typically lives disturbed habitats such as thickets, low moist fields, riverbanks, fence rows, and cultivated fields. Cynanchum laeve is not an human edible plant. Its sap can cause eye irritation damaging mucous membranes. If C. laeve is consumed it can stop your heart. The cardenolides in C. laeve is a large problem in livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Hay fed to livestock can contain C. laeve which is a problem. It is recommended by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to take precautionary steps. These steps include not grazing hungry animals in pastures containing C. laeve, eradicating it from driveways and trails, and closely observing livestock that have just been introduced to areas containing C. laeve. C. laeve can be very difficult to eradicate from fields because of its deep, extensive root system. This vine climbs on other plants, and this can cause problems in crop harvesting. frameless|center|upright Taxon Sarcostemma clausa, the white vine. Flower pictured. Caterpillar host plant.James A. Scott (1986). The Butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA. David L. Wagner (2005). Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Funastrum clausum, commonly known as white twinevine,513716 Funastrum clausum 2011-09-22 is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It is native to southern Florida and Texas in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America as far south as Paraguay. check name Benefactor shrubs Benefactor shrubs for monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Buddleja, the butterfly bushes. Taxon Buddleja davidii B. davidii pictured. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Buddleja, or Buddleia (ˈ b ʌ d l i ə; also historically given as Buddlea), commonly known as the butterfly bush,Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607; OED: "Buddleia" is a genus comprising over 140http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Scrophulariaceae/Buddleja/ Buddleja The Plant List. Version 1.1. 2013 en 2016-09-19 species of flowering plants endemic to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Of the approximately 100 species nearly all are shrubs <5 m ft on tall, but a few qualify as trees, the largest reaching 30 m ft on. Both evergreen and deciduous species occur, in tropical and temperate regions resp. The colour of the flowers varies widely, from mostly pastel pinks and blues in Asia, to vibrant yellows and reds in the New World, while many cultivars have deeper tones. The flowers are generally rich in nectar and often strongly honey-scented. The genus is found in four continents. Over 60 species are native through the New World from the southern United States south to Chile, while many other species are found in the Old World, in Africa, and parts of Asia, but all are absent as natives from Europe and Australasia. Several species are popular garden plants, the species are commonly known as 'butterfly bushes' owing to their attractiveness to butterflies, and have become staples of the modern butterfly garden; they are also attractive to bees and moths. The most popular cultivated species is Buddleja davidii from central China, named for the French Basque missionary and naturalist Père Armand David. Other common garden species include the aforementioned B. globosa, grown for its strongly honey-scented orange globular inflorescences, and the weeping Buddleja alternifolia. Several interspecific hybrids have been made, notably Buddleja 'Lochinch'B. 'Lochinch' (B. davidii × Buddleja fallowianaB. fallowiana) and Buddleja × weyerianaB. × weyeriana (B. globosa × B. davidii), the latter a cross between a South American and an Asiatic species. Some species commonly escape from the garden. B. davidii in particular is a great coloniser of dry open ground; in urban areas in the United Kingdom, it often self-sows on waste ground or old masonry, where it grows into a dense thicket, and is listed as an invasive species in many areas. frameless|center|upright Taxon Calotropis gigantea, the crown flower. Flower and leaves pictured. Caterpillar host plant.http://butterflysocietyofhawaii.org/hawaiis-butterflies/ Butterfly Society of Hawaii Butterfly Society of Hawaii 6 January 2017 Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Calotropis gigantea, the crown flower, is a species of Calotropis native to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,July 2015 Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, China, Pakistan, Nepal, and tropical Africa.http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200018512 Flora of China online 19 July 2015 Calotropis gigantea (Linnaeus) W. T. Aiton, Hortus Kew. ed. 2. 2: 78. 1811 Bingtao Li Michael G. Gilbert W. Douglas Stevens It is a large shrub growing to 4 m ft on tall. It has clusters of waxy flowers that are either white or lavender in colour. Each flower consists of five pointed petals The latex of Calotropis gigantea contains cardiac glycosides, fatty acids, and calcium oxalate. This plant plays host to a variety of insects and butterflies. It is the host plant for Hawaii's non-migratory monarch butterflies.Butterfly Society of Hawaii Calotropis is an example of entomophily pollination (pollination by insects) and pollination is achieved with the help of bees. Allelopathic effects of Calotropis on different agricultural crops have been well studied.Oudhia, P. (2002).Allelopathic potential of useful weed Calotropis gigantea R.Br: A review. In: Abstracts. Third World Congress on Allelopathy: Challenges for the New Millennium, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences (NIAES), Tsukuba, Japan, Aug.26-30,2002:179. Extracts of plant parts such as root, stem, and leaf affect germination and seedling vigor of many agricultural crops.Oudhia and Tripathi 1997, 1999January 2015Oudhia et al. 1997, 1998a, bJanuary 2015 However, extracts of Calotropis failed to produce any detrimental effects on weeds such as Chenopodium album, Melilotus alba, Melilotus indica, Sphaeranthus indicus, and Phalaris minor.Oudhia and Tripathi 1997January 2015 Applied to the skin, it causes redness and vesication. When taken orally, the juice produces an acrid, bitter taste and burning pain in throat and stomach, salivation, stomatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, tetanic convulsions, collapse and death. The fatal period is 6 to 12 hours.January 2015 Benefactor trees Benefactor trees for monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Calotropis procera, the apple of Sodom. Caterpillar host plant. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The milky sap contains a complex mix of chemicals, some of which are steroidal heart poisons known as "cardiac aglycones". These belong to the same chemical family as similar ones found in foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea).January 2020 The plant contains steroidal components that are the cause of its toxicity. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Carya illinoiensis, or pecan. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The pecan p ɪ ˈ k æ n (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to northern Mexico and the southern United States in the region of the Mississippi River.2009-10-15 The tree is cultivated for its seed in the southern United States, primarily in Georgia and Texas,http://cgru.usda.gov/carya/ Horticulture Dept USDA Pecan Breeding Program, National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Pecans and Hickories 6 Dec 2017 The pecan tree is a large deciduous tree, growing to 20 - 40 m ft on in height, rarely to 44 m ft on.Flora of North America: Carya illinoinensis It typically has a spread of 12 - 23 m ft on with a trunk up to 2 m ft on diameter. A 10-year-old sapling grown in optimal conditions will stand about 5 m ft on tall. The leaves are alternate, 30 - 45 cm in on long, and pinnate with 9–17 leaflets, each leaflet 5 - 12 cm in on long and 2 - 6 cm in on broad. The seeds of the pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, particularly in sweet desserts, such as pecan pie, a traditional Southern U.S. dish. Pecans are the major ingredient in praline candy.https://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/food/article/Pecan-pralines-a-sweet-tradition-no-matter-how-12439378.php Greg Morago Pecan pralines a sweet tradition (no matter how you say it) Houston Chronicle 18 December 2017 5 December 2018 frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Fabaceae, the family including locust trees. Taxon Robinia pseudoacacia, or black locust, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Maclura pomifera, or Osage orange. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Maclura pomifera, commonly known as the Osage orange, hedge, or hedge apple tree is a small deciduous tree or large shrub, typically growing to 8 to(-) 15 m ft -1 tall. The distinctive fruit, from a multiple fruit family, is roughly spherical, bumpy, 3 to(-) 6 in cm flip 0 in diameter, and turns bright yellow-green in the fall. The fruits secrete a sticky white latex when cut or damaged. Despite the name "Osage orange",Wynia, Richard L Plant fact sheet: Osage orange, Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_mapo.pdf US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 25 October 2017 March 2011 Mature trees range from 40 to(-) 65 ft m flip tall with short trunks and round-topped canopies. The roots are thick, fleshy, and covered with bright orange bark. The tree's mature bark is dark, deeply furrowed and scaly. The plant has significant potential to invade unmanaged habitats. As a dioecious plant, the inconspicuous pistillate (female) and staminate (male) flowers are found on different trees. The fruit has a cucumber-like flavor. Osage orange's pre-Columbian range was largely restricted to a small area in what is now the United States, namely the Red River drainage of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, as well as the Blackland Prairies and post oak savannas. A disjunct population also occurred in the Chisos Mountains of Texas.J D Burton 2 Maclura pomifera October 5, 2012 It has since become widely naturalized in the United States and Ontario, Canada. Osage orange has been planted in all the 48 contiguous states of the United States and in southeastern Canada. The fruit is not poisonous to humans or livestock, but is not preferred by themhttp://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1997/10-10-1997/hedgeapple.html Facts and Myths Associated with "Hedge Apples" October 10, 1997 Jauron Richard Horticulture and Home Pest News Iowa State University October 22, 2014 because it is mostly inedible due to a large size (about the diameter of a softball), and hard, dry texture. The edible seeds of the fruit are used by squirrels as food. Large animals such as livestock, which typically would consume fruits and disperse seeds, mainly ignore the fruit. The fruits are consumed by black-tailed deer in Texas and fox squirrels in the Midwest, who drop them to crack open. Crossbills are said to peck the seeds out.Peattie Donald Culross Donald C. Peattie A Natural History of Western Trees 1953 Bonanza Books New York 482 Maclura pomifera prefers a deep and fertile soil, but is hardy over most of the contiguous United States, where it is used as a hedge. It must be regularly pruned to keep it in bounds, and the shoots of a single year will grow 3 to(-) 6 ft m 0 flip in long, making it suitable for coppicing.https://books.google.com/books?id=zsh2CwAAQBAJ The Carbon Farming Solution: A Global Toolkit of Perennial Crops and Regenerative Agriculture Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Food Security Toensmeier Eric Chelsea Green Publishing 2016 230 978-1-60358-571-2 A neglected hedge will become fruit-bearing. It is remarkably free from insect predators and fungal diseases. A thornless male cultivar of the species exists and is vegetatively reproduced for ornamental use. M. pomifera is cultivated in Italy, former Yugoslavia, Romania, former USSR, and India.Grandtner Miroslav M. Elsevier's Dictionary of Trees, Volume 1: North America 2005 Elsevier Amsterdam 0080460186 500 https://books.google.com/books?id=yjc5ZYWtkNAC&pg=PA500 January 30, 2016 Maclura pomifera frameless|center|upright Taxon Morus, or mulberry. Taxon Morus rubra M. rubra, the red mulberry, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Populus, the genus including cottonwoods. Taxon Populus deltoides P. deltoides, the eastern cottonwood, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Morus rubra, commonly known as the red mulberry, is a species of mulberry native to eastern and central North America. It is found from Ontario, Minnesota, and Vermont south to southern Florida, and west as far as southeastern South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and central Texas. There have been reports of isolated populations (very likely naturalized) in New Mexico, Idaho, and British Columbia.ref Morus rubra Common in the United States, it is listed as an endangered species in Canada,1 233500782 Morus rubra Moraceae Richard P. WunderlinAmbrose, J. D., & Kirk, D. (2004). National Recovery Strategy for Red Mulberry (Morus rubra L.). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Guelph, Ontario, Canada and is susceptible to hybridization with the invasive white mulberry (M. alba), introduced from Asia.Burgess K. S. Morgan M. Deverno L. Husband B. C. 2005 Asymmetrical introgression between two Morus species (M. alba, M. rubra) that differ in abundance Molecular Ecology 14 17 3471–3483 http://www.botany.utoronto.ca/ResearchLabs/BarrettLab/pdf/Burgess%20et%20al.%202005.pdf University of Toronto, Barrett Lab 16156816 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2005.02670.xSeptember 2016 Red mulberry is a deciduous tree, growing to 10 - 15 m ft 5 tall, rarely 20 m ft 5, with a trunk up to 50 cm in 0 in diameter. It is a small to medium-sizedhttps://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/lapmcbr7910.pdf tree that reaches a height of 70 feet and lives up to 125 years. The fruit is a compound cluster of several small achenes surrounded by a fleshy calyx, similar in appearance to a blackberry, 2 - 3 cm in 4 long. It is initially pale green, ripening to red or dark purple. The berries are widely sought after by birds in spring and early summer in North America; as many as 31 species of birds have been recorded visiting a fruiting tree in Arkansas.Jackson, J. L. and R. Kannan. 2018. Avian frugivory in a fruiting mulberry tree (Morus rubra) in Arkansas. J. Arkansas Acad. Sci. 72:38-46 The berries are edible and very sweet. frameless|center|upright Taxon Prosopis, or the genus including mesquites. Taxon Prosopis glandulosa P. glandulosa, the honey mesquite, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Prosopis is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae. It contains around 45 species of spiny trees and shrubs found in subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Western Asia, and South Asia. They often thrive in arid soil and are resistant to drought, on occasion developing extremely deep root systems. Their wood is usually hard, dense and durable. Their fruits are pods and may contain large amounts of sugar. The generic name means "burdock" in late Latin and originated in the Greek language.https://books.google.com/books?id=kaN-hLL-3qEC CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names 4 M-Q Umberto Quattrocchi CRC Press 2000 978-0-8493-2677-6 2171 The species Prosopis pallida was introduced to Hawaii in 1828 and now dominates many of the drier coastal parts of the islands, where it is called the kiawe tree and is a prime source of monofloral honey production.Prosopis pallida species info In Australia, invasive Prosopis species are causing severe economic and environmental damage. With their thorns and many low branches, Prosopis shrubs form impenetrable thickets which prevent cattle from accessing watering holes, etc. They also take over pastoral grasslands and suck up scarce water. Prosopis species cause land erosion due to loss of grassland that are habitats for native plants and animals. Prosopis thickets also provide shelter for feral animals such as pigs and cats. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/publications/guidelines/wons/pubs/prosopis.pdf "Mesquite (Prosopis species)" Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. frameless|center|upright Taxon Quercus, or oak. Taxon Quercus alba Q. alba, the white oak, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. The genus Quercus is native to the Northern Hemisphere, and includes deciduous and evergreen species extending from cool temperate to tropical latitudes in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. North America contains the largest number of oak species, with approximately 90 occurring in the United States, while Mexico has 160 species of which 109 are endemic. The second greatest center of oak diversity is China, which contains approximately 100 species.Hogan, C. Michael (2012) Oak https://web.archive.org/web/20130523173442/http://www.eoearth.org/article/Oak 23 May 2013 . ed. Arthur Dawson. Encyclopedia of Earth. National Council for Science and the Environment. Washington DC Oaks have spirally arranged leaves, with lobate margins in many species; some have serrated leaves or entire leaves with smooth margins. Many deciduous species are marcescent, not dropping dead leaves until spring. In spring, a single oak tree produces both male flowers (in the form of catkins) and small female flowers.Conrad, Jim. "Oak Flowers" https://web.archive.org/web/20131104064011/http://www.backyardnature.net/fl_bloak.htm 4 November 2013 . backyardnature.com. 2011-12-12. Retrieved 2013-11-03. The fruit is a nut called an acorn or oak nut borne in a cup-like structure known as a cupule; each acorn contains one seed (rarely two or three) and takes 6–18 months to mature, depending on their species. The acorns and leaves contain tannic acid,https://books.google.com/books?id=pnnHgcasN-cC&pg=PA102 Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest: A Practical Guide Tull Delena 1999-01-01 University of Texas Press 9780292781641 en live https://web.archive.org/web/20170215071946/https://books.google.com/books?id=pnnHgcasN-cC&pg=PA102 15 February 2017 dmy-all Oaks are keystone species in a wide range of habitats from Mediterranean semi-desert to subtropical rainforest. For example, oak trees are important components of hardwood forests, and certain species are particularly known to grow in associations with members of the Ericaceae in oak–heath forests. The mature trees shed varying numbers of acorns annually. Scientists suggest that shedding excess numbers allows the oaks to satiate nut gathering species which improves the chances of germination. Every four to ten years, certain oak populations will synchronize to produce almost no acorns at all, only to rain them down excessively the following year, known as a "mast" year. The year preceding the mast year is thought to starve off the mammal populations feeding on the supply, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the overproduction in the mast year that follows.https://www.mercurynews.com/2007/10/13/up-to-your-ankles-in-acorns-heres-why/ Up to your ankles in acorns? Here's why Joan Morris 2007-10-13 The Mercury News 2017-12-28 en-US live https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171735/https://www.mercurynews.com/2007/10/13/up-to-your-ankles-in-acorns-heres-why/ 28 December 2017 dmy-allhttps://www.mercurynews.com/2016/10/06/whats-causing-an-abundance-of-acorns-this-year/ What's causing an abundance of acorns this year? Joan Morris 2016-10-06 The Mercury News 2017-12-28 en-US live https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171801/https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/10/06/whats-causing-an-abundance-of-acorns-this-year/ 28 December 2017 dmy-all This is necessary to the survival of any given oak species, as only one in 10,000 acorns results in an eventual tree.Jim Waymer That's nuts:Acorn onslaught hits Florida http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2016/12/02/acorns-acorns-everywhere/94614694/ Florida Today Melbourne, Florida 1A, 11A 3 December 2016 3 December 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20161229140544/http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2016/12/02/acorns-acorns-everywhere/94614694/ 29 December 2016 dmy-all frameless|center|upright Taxon Rhus, or sumacs. Taxon Rhus typhina R. typhina, the staghorn sumac, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Rhus typhina, the staghorn sumac,RHTY Rhus typhina 21 October 2015 is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae, native to eastern North America. It is primarily found in southeastern Canada, the northeastern and midwestern United States and the Appalachian Mountains,http://esp.cr.usgs.gov/data/atlas/little/rhustyph.pdf United States Geological Survey Rhus typhina Range Map 2008-03-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20120626032329/http://esp.cr.usgs.gov/data/atlas/little/rhustyph.pdf 2012-06-26 but is widely cultivated as an ornamental throughout the temperate world. Rhus typhina is a dioecious, deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 5 m ft 0 tall by 6 m ft 0 broad. It has alternate, pinnately compound leaves 25 - 55 cm 0 long, each with 9–31 serrate leaflets 6–11 cm in 4 long.Richard H. Uva Joseph C. Neal Joseph M. Ditomaso Weeds of The Northeast Ithaca, NY Cornell University Press 1997 326–327 0-8014-3391-6 Small, greenish-white through yellowish flowers occur in dense terminal panicles, and small, green through reddish drupes occur in dense infructescences. Flowers occur from May through July and fruit ripens from June through September in this species’ native range.http://www.nsl.fs.fed.us/wpsm/Rhus.pdf USDA Forest Service Woody Plant Seed Manual Rhus Infructescences are 10 - 20 cm in 0 long and 4 - 6 cm in 4 broad at their bases. Fall foliage is brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Fruit can remain on plants from late summer through spring. It is eaten by many birds in winter.Niering William A. William Niering Olmstead Nancy C. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Eastern Region 1985 1979 Knopf 0-394-50432-1 327 Staghorn sumac spreads by seeds and rhizomes and forms clones often with the older shoots in the center and younger shoots around central older ones. Large clones can grow from octets What is the meaning of “octets”? October 2018 in several years. Staghorn sumac is an ornamental plant which provides interest throughout the year; though its vigorous, suckering habit makes it unsuitable for smaller gardens. It can grow under a wide array of conditions, but is most often found in dry and poor soil on which other plants cannot survive. Some landscapers remove all but the top branches to create a "crown" effect in order to resemble a small palm tree. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, of which 'Dissecta' syn. 'Laciniata' (cutleaf staghorn sumac) has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/105810/i-Rhus-typhina-i-Dissecta/Details RHS Plantfinder - Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’ 9 October 2018 https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf AGM Plants - Ornamental July 2017 87 Royal Horticultural Society 9 October 2018 frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Salix, or willow. Taxon Salix gooddingii S. gooddingii, the Goodding's willow, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Willows, also called sallows and osiers, form the genus Salix, around 400 speciesMabberley, D.J. 1997. The Plant Book, Cambridge University Press #2: Cambridge. of deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Almost all willows take root very readily from cuttings or where broken branches lie on the ground. Willows are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, such as the mourning cloak butterfly."Mourning Cloak". Study of Northern Virginia Ecology. Fairfax County Public Schools. Ants, such as wood ants, are common on willows inhabited by aphids, coming to collect aphid honeydew, as sometimes do wasps. The leaves are typically elongated, but may also be round to oval, frequently with serrated edges. Most species are deciduous; semievergreen willows with coriaceous leaves are rare, e.g. Salix micans and S. australior in the eastern Mediterranean. All the buds are lateral; no absolutely terminal bud is ever formed. The buds are covered by a single scale. Usually, the bud scale is fused into a cap-like shape, but in some species it wraps around and the edges overlap.25027618 The Genus Salix (Salicaceae) in the Southeastern United States George W. Argus Systematic Botany Monographs 9 1–170 1986 0737-8211 American Society of Plant Taxonomists 10.2307/25027618 The leaves are simple, feather-veined, and typically linear-lanceolate. Usually they are serrate, rounded at base, acute or acuminate. In color, the leaves show a great variety of greens, ranging from yellowish to bluish color. Willows are among the earliest woody plants to leaf out in spring and the last to drop their leaves in autumn. Leafout may occur as early as February depending on the climate and is stimulated by air temperature. If daytime highs reach 55 °F (10 °C) for a few consecutive days, a willow will attempt to put out leaves and flowers. Leaf drop in autumn occurs when day length shortens to approximately ten hours and 25 minutes, which varies by latitude (as early as the first week of October for boreal species such as S. alaxensis and as late as the third week of December for willows growing in far southern areas). Willows are dioecious, with male and female flowers appearing as catkins on separate plants; the catkins are produced early in the spring, often before the leaves. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Syringa vulgaris, or lilac. Nectar source. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Syringa vulgaris (lilac or common lilac) is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, native to the Balkan Peninsula, where it grows on rocky hills.Rushforth, K. (1999). Trees of Britain and Europe. Collins 0-00-220013-9.Med-Checklist: Syringa vulgarisFlora Europaea: Syringa vulgaris Grown for its scented pink flowers in spring, this large shrub or small tree is widely cultivated and has been naturalized in parts of Europe and North America. It is not regarded as an aggressive species, found in the wild in widely scattered sites, usually in the vicinity of past or present human habitations.Biota of North Idaho America Program, Syringa vulgarisAltervista Flora Italiana, Syringa vulgarisIllinois wildflowers, common lilac, Syringa vulgaris Syringa vulgaris is a large deciduous shrub or multistemmed small tree, growing to 6 - 7 m ft 0 on high. The lilac is a very popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks, because of its attractive, sweet-smelling flowers, which appear in early summer just before many of the roses and other summer flowers come into bloom.RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants 2008 Dorling Kindersley United Kingdom 978-1405332965 1136 In late summer, lilacs can be attacked by powdery mildew, specifically Erysiphe syringae, one of the Erysiphaceae.B. Ing, "An Introduction to British Powdery Mildews", in The Mycologist 5.1 (1990:24–27). No fall color is seen and the seed clusters have no aesthetic appeal. Common lilac tends to flower profusely in alternate years, a habit that can be improved by deadheading the flower clusters after the color has faded and before seeds, few of which are fertile, form. At the same time, twiggy growth on shoots that have flowered more than once or twice can be cut to a strong, outward-growing side shoot. It is widely naturalised in western and northern Europe. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Tilia americana, or basswood. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Tilia americana is a species of tree in the family Malvaceae, native to eastern North America, from southeast Manitoba east to New Brunswick, southwest to northeast Oklahoma, southeast to South Carolina, and west along the Niobrara River to Cherry County, Nebraska. It is the sole representative of its genus in the Western Hemisphere, assuming T. caroliniana is treated as a subspecies or local ecotype of T. americana.2 Tilia americana T. R. Crow36668 Tilia americana The American basswood is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree reaching a height of 18 to 37 m ft 5 on exceptionally 39 m ft on with a trunk diameter of 1 - 1.5 m ft 0 on at maturity. It grows faster than many North American hardwoods, often twice the annual growth rate of American beech and many birch species. Life expectancy is around 200 years, with flowering and seeding generally occurring between 15 and 100 years, though occasionally seed production may start as early as 8 years. The flowers are small, fragrant, yellowish-white, 10 – 14 mm in 32 in in diameter, arranged in drooping, cymose clusters of 6–20 with a whitish-green leaf-like bract attached for half its length at the base of the cyme. Time of flowering varies by several weeks depending on the latitude; early May in Canada and early June in the extreme southern extent. Leaf drop in fall occurs between early and late October depending on the latitude. The flowers are fragrant and insect-pollinated. American basswood is dominant in the sugar maple–basswood forest association, which is most common in western Wisconsin and central Minnesota, but occurs as far east as New England and southern Quebec in places that have mesic soil with relatively high pH. It also has minor occurrence in many other forest cover types. Its flowers provide abundant nectar for insects. The seeds are eaten by chipmunks, mice, and squirrels. Rabbits and voles eat the bark, sometimes girdling young trees. The leaves serve as food for caterpillars of various Lepidoptera (see Lepidoptera which feed on Tilia). The ribbed cocoon maker species Bucculatrix improvisa has not been found on other plants. This species is particularly susceptible to adult Japanese beetles (an invasive species in North America) that feed on its leaves.USDA Managing the Japanese Beetle:A Homeowner's Handbook http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/JB3-07.indd.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140916070734/http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/JB3-07.indd.pdf 2014-09-16 The American basswood is known for being one of the most difficult native North American trees to propagate from seed, as they not only have a low viability rate (approximately 30% of all seeds are viable), but quickly develop an extremely hard seed coating that may delay germination for up to two years. If planting them, it is recommended to gather the seeds in early autumn and sow them before they dry out and form a coating. This will then allow germination to occur immediately. Overall, seeds are not a major part of the tree's reproductive strategy and it instead mostly spreads by self-coppicing. All juvenile basswoods coppice extremely readily, and even old trees will often sprout from the stump if cut. The American basswood is recommended as an ornamental tree when the mass of foliage or a deep shade is desired; no native tree surpasses it in this respect. It is often planted on the windward side of an orchard as a protection to young and delicate trees. It is cultivated at least as far north as Juneau, Alaska.Juneau: Downtown Juneau Tree Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20070818004459/http://www.silverbowinn.com/downtown_tree_guide%20final%2006.pdf August 18, 2007 The foliage and flowers are both edible, though the tender young leaves are more palatable. frameless|center|upright Taxon Ulmus, or elms. Taxon Ulmus americana U. americana, the American elm, pictured. Overwintering roost. Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Elms are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees comprising the flowering plant genus Ulmus in the plant family Ulmaceae. The genus is hermaphroditic, having apetalous perfect flowers which are wind-pollinated. Elm leaves are alternate, with simple, single- or, most commonly, doubly serrate margins, usually asymmetric at the base and acuminate at the apex. The fruit is a round wind-dispersed samara flushed with chlorophyll, facilitating photosynthesis before the leaves emerge.Heybroek, H. M., Goudzwaard, L, Kaljee, H. (2009). Iep of olm, karakterboom van de Lage Landen (:Elm, a tree with character of the Low Countries). KNNV, Uitgeverij. 9789050112819 The samarae are very light, those of British elms numbering around 50,000 to the pound (454 g).Edlin, H. L. (1947). British Woodland Trees,  p.26. 3rd. edition. London: B. T. Batsford Ltd. All species are tolerant of a wide range of soils and pH levels but, with few exceptions, demand good drainage. The elm tree can grow to great height, often with a forked trunk creating a vase profile. Pyle Robert Michael Chasing Monarchs: Migrating with the Butterflies of Passage https://books.google.com/?id=gO9eXQI0ZxQC&pg=PA148 2001 Houghton Mifflin Books 978-0-618-12743-6 148–149 Discourage Antagonist arthropod taxa Antagonist arthropods of monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Harmonia axyridis, the Asian ladybeetle. Color variations pictured. The Asian ladybeetle will eat very young caterpillars as both larvae and adults.Koch R. L. W. D. Hutchison R. C. Venette G. E. Heimpel October 2003 Susceptibility of immature monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae), to predation by Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Biological Control 28 2 265–270 10.1016/S1049-9644(03)00102-6 Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Hymenoptera, the order including wasps. Taxon Vespula maculifrons, or the eastern yellowjacket pictured. A variety of wasps will prey upon caterpillars.It's the first bites that count: Survival of first-instar monarchs on milkweeds Austral Ecology 2001 26 5 547–555 10.1046/j.1442-9993.2001.01132.x Zalucki Myron P. Malcolm Stephen B. Paine Timothy D. Hanlon Christopher C. Brower Lincoln P. Clarke Anthony R. Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Tenodera sinensis, the Chinese mantis. Male pictured. Preys upon caterpillars and avoids being poisoned by not eating its prey's digestive tract and the processed milkweed material it contains.Rafter Jamie Anurag Agruwal Evan Preisser Chinese mantids gut caterpillars: avoidance of prey defense? 10.1111/j.1365-2311.2012.01408.x Ecological Entomology 38 2013 1 78–82 Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. Antagonist bird taxa Antagonist birds of monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Aphelocoma, the scrub jay genus. Taxon Aphelocoma californica A. californica, or the California scub jay pictured. One of the few bird genera known to feed on monarchs despite the toxins they accumulate from their milkweed host plants.Barbosa Pedro Deborah Kay Letourneau Novel Aspects of Insect-plant Interactions https://books.google.com/?id=2fZbhllItE4C&pg=PA45 1988 Wiley-Interscience 978-0-471-83276-8 29–31 5 Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Cardinalidae, the cardinal family. Male Taxon Cardinalis cardinalis, or northern cardinal pictured feeding a female. One of the few bird families known to feed on monarchs despite the toxins they accumulate from their milkweed host plants.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus, the pinyon jay. One of the few birds known to feed on monarchs despite the toxins they accumulate from their milkweed host plants.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Icteridae, the family which includes grackles. Taxon Quiscalus quiscula, or the common grackle pictured. One of the few bird families known to feed on monarchs despite the toxins they accumulate from their milkweed host plants.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Icterus, the New World oreole genus. Taxon Icterus galbula I. galbula, or the Baltimore oreole pictured. Feeding on too many monarchs can raise the poison levels in its own tissues. Until the oreole recovers, it must rely on other prey items, whose toxicity it can discern by taste.Brower Lincoln Avian Predation on the Monarch Butterfly and Its Implications for Mimicry Theory American Society of Naturalists 1988 131 S4–S6 10.1086/284763 Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Passeridae, the Old World sparrow family. Male Taxon Passer domesticus, or house sparrow pictured. One of the few bird families known to feed on monarchs despite the toxins they accumulate from their milkweed host plants.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Pheucticus melanocephalus, the black-headed grosbeak. Male pictured. Although resistant to the poisons in monarch tissues, it must periodically rely on other prey items to avoid accumulating dangerous levels in its own body.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Pycnonotus cafer, the red-vented bulbul. Possibly at least partially immune to monarch poison. Eats both caterpillars and adults. Its preference for orange monarchs is partially responsible for breeding a white variety in Hawaii.Stimson John Mark Berman 1990 Predator induced colour polymorphism in Danaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Hawaii Heredity 65 3 401–406 http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=2472199&q=predator+induced+colour+polymorphism&uid=792450984&setcookie=yes 10.1038/hdy.1990.110 Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Pycnonotus jocosus, the red-whiskered bulbul. Male pictured. Possibly at least partially immune to monarch poison. Eats both caterpillars and adults. Its preference for orange monarchs is partially responsible for breeding a white variety in Hawaii.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Toxostoma rufum, the brown thrasher. One of the few birds known to feed on monarchs despite the toxins they accumulate from their milkweed host plants.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. frameless|center|upright Taxon Turdus migratorius, the American robin. Male pictured. One of the few birds known to feed on monarchs despite the toxins they accumulate from their milkweed host plants.Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. Antagonist mammal taxa Antagonist mammals of monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Rodentia, the order including mice. Taxon Mus musculus, or the house mouse pictured. Some mice will consume monarchs and seem to show significant resistance to their poison.Cech, Rick and Tudor, Guy (2005). Butterflies of the East Coast. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 0-691-09055-6Iftner, David C.; Shuey, John A. and Calhoun, John C. (1992). Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio. College of Biological Sciences and The Ohio State University. 0-86727-107-8 Information on native range or any other factor that might influence monarchs' likelihood of attracting this species to a garden. Antagonist herbs Antagonist vines for monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright Taxon Asclepias curassavica, the scarlet milkweed. Flowers and leaves pictured. Year-round plantings in the USA are controversial and criticised, as they may be the cause of new overwintering sites along the U.S. Gulf Coast, leading to year-round breeding of monarchs.10.1155/2010/689301 Citizen Science Observations of Monarch Butterfly Overwintering in the Southern United States Psyche: A Journal of Entomology 2010 1 2010 Howard Elizabeth Aschen Harlen Davis Andrew K. This is thought to adversely affect migration patterns, and to cause a dramatic buildup of the dangerous parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha.25589600 4308991 2015 Satterfield D. A. Loss of migratory behaviour increases infection risk for a butterfly host Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 282 1801 20141734 Maerz J. C. Altizer S 10.1098/rspb.2014.1734. New research also has shown that monarch larvae reared on tropical milkweed show reduced migratory development (reproductive diapause), and when migratory adults are exposed to tropical milkweed, it stimulates reproductive tissue growth - https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/10/8/253/htm Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Antagonist vines Antagonist vines for monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Vincetoxicum nigrum, or black swallow-wort. Flowers pictured. This plant is sufficiently closely related to vining milkweeeds to trick female monarchs into laying eggs on it, although it is toxic to monarch caterpillars. It is regarded as an invasive species in North America.Invasive species alert: Black swallow-wort (Cynanchum louisea) and pale swallow-wort (Cynanchum rossicum). monarchjointventure.org] Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. frameless|center|upright Taxon Vincetoxicum rossicum, the dog-strangling vine. Flowers pictured. This plant is sufficiently closely related to vining milkweeeds to trick female monarchs into laying eggs on it, although it is toxic to monarch caterpillars. It is regarded as an invasive species in North America.Invasive species alert: Black swallow-wort (Cynanchum louisea) and pale swallow-wort (Cynanchum rossicum). monarchjointventure.org] Information on native range, cultivation requirements, bloom time and any other criteria that might lead a gardener to select this species over the others. Utilize For taxa whose presence in the garden is encouraged without being harmed by article taxon use tables like above but from the pov of the attracted taxon Beneficiary [taxon] of monarchs Taxon Behavior Food Reproduction Safety Water Notes frameless|center|upright=0.5 Taxon Vincetoxicum nigrum, or black swallow-wort. Flowers pictured. Information on native range, benefits received from presence of monarchs, etc. References Danaus plexippus Danaus plexippus Danaus plexippus Danaus plexippus Mimicry in Butterflies Butterflies monarch butterfly Category:Book:Wildlife Gardening taxa