Nectar Plants for Monarchs

In addition to planting native milkweed host plants for monarch caterpillars it is also important to plant nectar-rich plants for adult monarchs. Adult monarchs are dependent on nectar plants as a food source during spring and summer breeding, fall migrations, and during overwintering.

The Xerces Society, in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and Monarch Joint Venture, developed regional monarch-specific nectar plant guides for the continental US. The plant species included in these nectar plant guides are based on monarch nectaring observations compiled from numerous sources, including published and technical reports, research datasets, and personal communications with monarch researchers, botanists, and other experts.

Use the map to identify the correct Monarch Nectar Plant List for your area, then click the corresponding image below to enlarge your regional guide:

• Maritime Northwest
  
• Inland Northwest
  
• California Coast
  
• California Inland
  
• Great Basin
  
• Rocky Mountains
  
• Southwest
  
• Northern Plains
  
• Southern Plains
  
• Midwest
  
• Great Lakes
  
• Southeast
  
• Florida
  
• Northeast
  
• Mid-Atlantic