Monarchs can be among the earliest spring butterflies to be seen in Northwest Arkansas. However, that may not be the case this year. Reports of the overwintering population in Mexico show a marked decline in the number of monarchs who survived the fall migration. Authorities believe that this is due to the severe drought in Oklahoma and south through central Mexico. This led to a deficit of flowering nectar plants in this important migratory path.

During the flight south, the monarch relies on steady nectar sources to fuel its flight and to enable it to build up its lipids (fats) so that it can survive the winter in an area where there are few, if any, blooming plants. Generally, monarchs overwinter in the sanctuaries from October through March…six months without food!

This is the lowest reporting year since the winter of  2013-2014!

What can be done? 

As we’ve heard for years, plant more native milkweed plants. Just as important, some say, is planting high-quality nectar plants that bloom in late August through October. 

Many of our native asters (like New England aster) are monarch favorites. You can see a more compact New England aster, ‘Purple Dome,’ in the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks by the Education Cottage. Aromatic aster, a lower-growing aster, is also a good choice and is found mainly in the Sensory Garden and several other sites. Goldenrods such as Solidago nemoralis (prairie goldenrod) and Solidago drummondii (cliff goldenrod) are shorter species of this nectar-rich plant and can be seen near the Butterfly House.

Kitty Sanders