Oncopeltus fasciatus on Tropical Milkweed

    • BuckFutter ( BuckFutter@timeyak.com ) OP
      2·
      2 months ago

      Thanks. Yah I am in the southeast states, zone 9a, and it dies off every year. I’ve heard about the issues growing tropical milkweed relating to monarchs. I’ve tried cultivating/growing from seed other species of milkweed as well but they just cant handle the heat like the tropical does.

      • Fourth ( Fourth@mander.xyz ) 
        2·
        2 months ago

        Totally fair, but still does contribute to OE and some other struggles that those poor beautiful insects really could do without.

        I applaud your orientation towards native planting.

        https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-milkweeds/

        Straight from University of Florida, I trust this guide and know that incarnata and tuberosa are highly adaptable. Would be fun to include some of those other less common species too.

        • BuckFutter ( BuckFutter@timeyak.com ) OP
          2·
          2 months ago

          Thanks and I love the IFAS documentation. So much wonderful information there and I reference it quite a bit. I usually have the tropical milkweed mixed in with Sweetscent (Pluchea odorata) and that attracts a variety of native bees and butterflies as well. I’ll have to give those other milkweed species a try again…Thanks.

          Pluchea odorata