September is ‘Planting for Monarchs Month’ in Phoenix and it’s a great time to think about what native species to plant this Fall. Planting native species maximizes the bang for our buck – supporting water conservation while building a healthy urban ecosystem – and the monarch butterfly is just one of many species that benefits.
The monarch’s multi-generation, 3,000-mile-long migration and dramatic overwintering habits have long captured our collective imagination. And the Phoenix area plays host to the migrating monarch butterfly each year, generally welcoming them in September and waving a fond farewell around May as they make their way to cooler climes.
The western population of this butterfly has declined by more than 90% since the late 1990s, primarily due to loss of habitat, pesticide use, and climate change. Because the monarch butterfly population is one of the easier insect populations to monitor, thanks to their habit of overwintering in groups at just a few locations, this butterfly may provide important trend indicators for other pollinator populations. Similarly, when we help the monarch butterfly by planting native plants, we help other pollinators.
“The Phoenix area plays host to the migrating monarch butterfly each year, generally welcoming them in September and waving a fond farewell around May as they make their way to cooler climes.”
What do Migrating Monarchs Need?
Native milkweed and native nectar plants are essential for monarch migration and survival. Milkweed is critical to the life cycle of the monarch – it’s where they lay eggs and it’s the sole food source of the caterpillar. Nectar-producing plants provide food for the butterfly, giving it the energy and fuel it needs to survive, reproduce, and migrate.
Native plants are of essential value and importance to the history, landscape, biodiversity, and environment of our unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem in Phoenix. They provide low water use landscapes, pollinator support, and help to create a healthy ecosystem, which in turn helps with water quality, food production, reducing local temperatures, and beautifying our surroundings.
What Can We Do? Plant and Protect!
Consider planting native milkweed and native nectar plants to provide habitat for monarchs and other pollinators and avoid using pesticides/herbicides on or near your native plants whenever possible.
If space allows, strive for a mix of native milkweed and native nectar plants that produce flowers between September and May.
Whether you’re landscaping your entire yard or just want to add a potted plant to your patio, you are making a difference – one native plant at time.
Resources
Keep an eye out on Phoenix’s Planting for Monarchs page or follow us on Instagram @PHXEnvironment throughout the month of September for announcements about new resources and activities throughout Planting for Monarchs month, including:
- A mini Sonoran Desert pollinator plant guide (full version due out early 2026)
- A monarch activity book
- Free native seed giveaways
- Notice of an upcoming sale on desert milkweed at select nurseries
- A butterfly release with Butterfly Wonderland at Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
And check out our website for links to other resources, like a list of nurseries that typically supply milkweed and opportunities for citizen science supporting the monarch butterfly.
Editor’s Note: Don’t miss our calendar of events! It’s packed with workshops across the Valley on xeriscape, desert plants, and even one on planting for butterflies. 🦋
You may also enjoy:
- Desert Milkweed – Fit for a Queen and Other Royals
- Pollinator-Friendly Plants are All the Buzz
- Mist Flower – A Butterfly Favorite
From time to time, Water – Use It Wisely features guest bloggers who write about topics related to water conservation and sustainability. Tricia Balluff is an Environmental Program Manager with the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs. She manages the Phoenix Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and works to expand urban biodiversity through city department engagement and public outreach. She believes that small actions by individuals collectively lead to big change. Her favorite native plant is the pink fairyduster.