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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341207
Research Project: Managing Insects in the Corn Agro-Ecosystem

Location: Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research

Title: Monarch seed mix high diversity

Author
item HELLMICH II, RICHARD
item BLODGETT, SUE - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item BRADBURY, STEVEN - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item DEBINSKI, DIANE - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item PLEASANTS, JOHN - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item HARTZLER, ROBERT - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item APPLEGATE, SETH - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2018
Publication Date: 8/20/2018
Citation: Hellmich Ii, R.L., Blodgett, S.L., Bradbury, S.P., Debinski, D.M., Pleasants, J.M., Hartzler, R., Applegate, S.R. 2018. Monarch seed mix high diversity. Extension Publications. https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15139.

Interpretive Summary: The Monarch Conservation Workgroup developed this seed mix for research purposes. The mix includes milkweed species that are host plants to monarch caterpillars and nectar-producing species that benefit butterflies. These plants are also beneficial for other pollinators, such as bees, and all species are native to Iowa. Grass species are mostly short to medium height in order to reduce grass competition with forbs. The plant species were selected to perform well in well-drained and moderately well-drained soils. Adjustments may be necessary for wet soils. This seed mix is useful to all people interested in restoring habitats for monarch butterflies and pollinators.

Technical Abstract: The Monarch Conservation Workgroup developed this seed mix for research purposes. The mix includes milkweed species that are host plants to monarch caterpillars and nectar-producing species that benefit butterflies. These plants are also beneficial for other pollinators, such as bees, and all species are native to Iowa. Grass species are mostly short to medium height in order to reduce grass competition with forbs. Percentages of nonlegume forbs, legume forbs and grasses are 23.5, 10.9 and 65.6, respectively. The plant species were selected to perform well in well-drained and moderately well-drained soils. Adjustments may be necessary for wet soils. This seed mix is useful to all people interested in restoring habitats for monarch butterflies and pollinators.