The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has named milkweed as the Rare Plant Monitoring Program’s 2025 Plant of the Year. This move highlights ongoing efforts to support pollinators like monarch butterflies and bees. Milkweed plays a key role in monarch reproduction, serving as the sole host plant for their larvae.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin is home to 13 native species of milkweed, five of which are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. The only nonnative species in the state is Showy milkweed. The department is encouraging residents to plant milkweed in their gardens to help provide essential habitat for monarchs and other pollinators.
According to Jay Watson, DNR insect ecologist, monarchs are facing multiple threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Monarch butterflies breed in Wisconsin during the warmer months, laying eggs exclusively on milkweed. While adult monarchs feed on nectar from various native plants, they also return to milkweed for food.
Monarch populations have declined significantly over the years, though the 2024–2025 wintering season in Mexico showed a slight increase in their occupied area—from 0.99 to 1.79 hectares. The DNR’s Rare Plant Monitoring Program continues to track plant populations with the help of trained volunteers, with a current focus on milkweed.
To assist residents in planting native milkweed, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has compiled a list of local native plant sales and nurseries, available on its Native Plants webpage.
