Plant it and they will come. Each spring and fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the United States. Just like humans when they travel, the butterflies need to stop for a snack and a rest along the way. Gardeners across Oklahoma can help with the migration by planting plants that attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

“It’s both easy and challenging to create habitats for monarchs and other pollinators,” said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “It is helpful for gardeners to know basic information about the pollinators and what they need.”

Gardeners who want to help provide nourishment as butterflies trek south this fall can still get a variety of plants from a local nursery or gardening store. Some late summer/fall blooming native perennials such as aromatic aster, blue sage, goldenrod, giant ironweed, tall blazing star, willowleaf aster and yellow wingstem are great options.

Monarch butterflies migrate through Oklahoma twice a year. Fall migration occurs from September through October, with peak activity in late September through early October, especially along I-35. Butterflies travel through the state, taking refuge in trees, as they head back toward central Mexico to overwinter.

“As we near the end of gardening season this fall, don’t get in a rush to clean out the flower beds,” Hillock said. “Those lingering zinnias and other habitats are a lifeline to the migrating butterflies. Leave the plants in place for at least a couple of frosts to help ensure the butterflies have a food source.”

Spring migration is March through May, with peak activity from late March through April as the monarchs search for emerging milkweed.

During the winter months, as gardeners plan spring gardening, keep monarch butterflies and other pollinators in mind when purchasing seeds and plants. Monarchs will begin their journey in March from Mexico, laying eggs on milkweed plants before continuing north toward Canada.

There are hundreds of plant species, representing more than 30 plant families, that can attract an array of pollinators. Plants from the following six plant families, and the pollinators they attract, are good options for Oklahoma gardeners:

• Milkweeds/Apocynaceae: medium and large bees, wasps, butterflies and flies
• Legumes/leguminacae: medium and large bees, butterflies and moths
• Mints/lamiaceae: bees and some butterflies
• Sunflowers/asteraceae: bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and flies
• Verbenas/verbenaceae: butterflies and large bees
• Various fruits and berries/rosaceae: bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and flies

When planting milkweed, consider antelope horn milkweed, green antelope horn milkweed and zizotes milkweed, as they are easy to establish in both gardens and fields. Other plants to consider include zinnias, purple coneflower, blanketflower and blue mistflower. Keep these options in mind when planning spring/summer gardens.

“Some gardeners may be reluctant to plant plants that attract bees, but it’s important to remember that bees in the garden are there to collect nectar and pollen – they typically won’t sting unless handled,” he said.

Butterflies play a vital role in plant pollination, but over the years, habitat loss has been linked to declining monarch butterfly numbers. In addition, milkweeds and nectar sources are declining due to increased pesticide use. The majority of milkweed/monarch habitats are found in the agricultural landscape; however, farm practices can significantly impact monarch populations.

OSU Extension offers additional information on attracting pollinators to the garden in fact sheet HLA-6430 Landscaping to attract butterflies and moths. Also, this episode of “Oklahoma Gardening” has butterfly tips for homeowners.