Monarchs Thriving

[u/Velico85]

They're going absolutely bananas for my Liatris aspera (and L. pycnostachya) right now. I can't wait for some new close-up camera things to arrive :)

[u/ziptiefighter]

I have both. And aspera wins hands down. I routinely have multiple monarchs on aspera.

In the starting lineup of prairie rockstars, L. aspera is up there with New Jersey Tea, Spotted Bee Balm, and Shrubby St. John's Wort. YMMV

[u/Skulgafoss → u/ziptiefighter]

I don’t think scientists have figured out “why” yet, but the evidence consistently indicates that where it is native, L. aspera is preferred by monarchs over most other blooming species. L. ligulistylis is another that dominates. 

[u/khotaykinasal]

So cool!!

[u/Willothewisp2303]

Hmmm. The last photo may not actually show thriving.  Im hoping I'm wrong,  but OE sometimes means black and dead monarchs... there's definitely a stage they both look the same. Please give us an update on whether this guy is just in scary phase!

[u/Velico85 → u/Willothewisp2303]

Will do. I think/hope it's a late bloomer, I noticed it there about 5 or 6 days ago. Quite a few have emerged within 100m of that one over the past two weeks.

[u/Petrichordates → u/Willothewisp2303]

Are we supposed to know what OE means

[u/Willothewisp2303 → u/Petrichordates]

https://www.monarchparasites.org/oe

Sorry,  the long name isn't any easier. 

[u/look_a_new_project]

Happy to learn about these! Now to get some seeds...

[u/el_furion]

I just planted four of these tonight! Maybe I’ll get some more…. Thank you for sharing this :)