This project will evaluate nine species of milkweed on plots at Iowa State University Experiment Station Research and Demonstration Farms. Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed species exclusively as larval host plants, while flowering forbs provide a nectar source for adults; methods for establishing and maintaining habitat patches need to be optimized
Monarch habitat propagation: Cost-effective methods to establish and maintain milkweeds and companion plants in rural, suburban and urban landscapes.
In 2015 milkweed species demonstration plots will be planted at each of the 12 Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms locations around the state (see attached map). Nine milkweed (Asclepias) species have been identified for initial testing. Plants are currently growing in an ISU greenhouse and will be transplanted May-June 2015 into small demonstration plots of approximately 1m2 each. These “garden” plots, will be available and labeled so that they may be visited on the various field days or at other times. Observations of these plots will be made for plant stand persistence, adaptability, flowering, and as host to all monarch life stages. These plots will provide valuable information for landowners about the best choices of milkweed species for their location:
- Swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata
- Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca
- Butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa
- Whorled milkweed, Asclepias verticillata
- Prairie milkweed, Asclepias sullivantii
- Green milkweed, Asclepias hirtella
- Showy Milkweed, Asclepias speciosa
- Poke Milkweed, Asclepias exaltata
- Honeyvine Milkweed, Cynanchum laeve