Suddenly there’s a surge in milkweed purchases. Why? Because nature lovers know that planting milkweed in your garden will help to increase the number of monarch butterflies in your area. The plants you choose for your garden (native plants to your region) make a huge difference in supporting wildlife and the environment.

As many of you know, monarch populations have been sadly decreasing due to housing development and agriculture, thus eliminating milkweed, the one plant that used to be abundant across America, leading to a huge decline of Danaus plexippus (their scientific name). In fact, monarch population numbers have been down by over 90% in recent years! However, there is good news. Numbers have climbed by nearly 50% in 2025 according to the National Wildlife Federation. Still, we have a long way to go.

A naturally occurring parasite is now threatening these monarch butterflies. It’s a parasite called OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha), and it thrives on a plant that, ironically, is mandatory for monarchs’ survival. The plant is milkweed. Pam Murfey, the Panhandle Butterfly House’s …

Monarch butterflies in Northwest Florida! Read more »