Several months back I started narrowleaf milkweed plants (seeds from livemonarch.com). About a week ago I noticed the first caterpillar, and the next day the second. Today the one at the top of the photo left the plant and started looking for a spot to pupate. Also today, found 4 (!!) more caterpillars amongst the plants. I am beyond thrilled, I never expected to get monarchs actually laying eggs on these plants so soon.
I can't get milkweed to grow but I have 3 short cassia leptophylla trees grown from seeds in pots. And I've got a couple generations of Cloudless Sulfur butterflies going now with the caterpillars monching away and making cool chrysalises. The trees aren't native but the butterflies are! So I'm happy, and when one tree gets too bare I can move the sprig with the caterpillar to another so he can fatten up.
Majestic! Now just make sure that everyone who helps out in your garden understands that these caterpillars are supposed to be there. You would be astonished the number of people I have encountered who have planted milkweed for monarch butterflies and then picked off all the caterpillars who were "ruining" the milkweed.
I'm up to 4 monarch butterflies in my garden but I have yet to see a monarch caterpillar. The butterflies bring me immense joy.
Oooh! Someday I want to have a little bit of land that I can plant some things for our lovely pollinators--- will remember milkweed (and beebalm).
Beautiful milkweeds also keep iguanas away, fyi for those in Florida
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