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Yesterday, in this post, I told you that I was hoping Monarch butterflies will come to the milkweed that I planted from seed this spring. Milkweed (Asclepias) are vital host plants for Monarchs. Their caterpillars only eat milkweed, and the butterflies then lay their eggs on the plants.

This morning, by chance, I peeked out of my office window and saw a butterfly hovering over the milkweed. I grabbed my camera, went out and took the following pictures of our first Monarch as it kept flying in and out of the milkweed. Truly, plant it and they will come!

Monarch butterfly among milkweed plants

Monarch butterfly among milkweed plants

Monarch on milkweed flower

Monarch on milkweed flowers

Monarch on milkweed flowers

Monarch on milkweed flowers

The gradual disappearance of milkweed, due to urban development, is one of the main causes for the decline in Monarch population. More of us should be planting milkweed to help these pretty butterflies.