![]() ![]() However, there are two detrimental issues with relying on non-native milkweed. It is easier to grow, so most nurseries stock their shelves with it as the only option. Other non-native milkweed plants include Calotropis and Gomphocarpus. It is often sold under the labels of Scarlet, Bloodflower, Butterfly and exotic. In contrast, the non-native Tropical milkweed (Asclepias Curassavicacurassavica) grows much faster, blooms longer and boasts petals of deep orange, red and yellow. These perennial wildflowers are generally slow growers and most display simple, not flashy flowers. which vary in size, height, bloom color and preferred conditions. Milkweed (Asclepias, spp.) is the worldwide host plant that female butterflies will lay their eggs on. This can promote successful a more natural lifecycle succession for future monarchs. Perhaps the most significant change people could all make is planting Florida native milkweeds instead of non-native or exotic milkweed plants in personal gardens. To learn more about non-selective alternatives, visit /ep580. The good news is there are many alternatives to Roundup to resolve weed issues. Milkweed can often be swept up in the frenzy of eliminating weeds either by direct application or through herbicide drift. These herbicides kill plants indiscriminately. Heavy reliance on non-selective herbicides is the second main cause of the decreasing monarch population. Cities, often unaware of this, will mow these areas too frequently and too low, which results in further plant loss. The wild, native milkweed plants that were abundantly found in open fields, swamps and pinelands before have trickled down to patches alongside Florida highways. ![]() Increased urban development has resulted in a decrease of wild milkweed, which is the main cause of a decrease in the monarch population. The only host plant that monarchs lay eggs on belong to the milkweed (Asclepias) family. ![]()
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