Last Monarchs Leave Mexico...is your MILKWEED Ready❓🌱😱

Milkweed QUICKSTART Guide + 2 Southern Milkweeds

March 31, 2025

Happy Monday Royal RAISEr,

today I’m here to share two top milkweed varieties for southern gardeners that help support the first generations of monarchs each spring, but first…an announcement!

🗣️ My new QUICKSTART Guide for Growing Milkweed is available now, which also includes an exclusive discount for those of you interested in purchasing milkweed plants this spring. 🪴🤑

For more information or to purchase the guide:


Now, back to Milkweed Madness 2025…

Southern Milkweed

In this edition of milkweed madness, I'll be sharing two springtime southern belles 👯‍♀️ that are currently hosting the first butterfly eggs and tiny caterpillars of the migrators returning from Mexico.

That's right, the northern migration is in full swing and the first butterflies are already streaming into northern Texas and Oklahoma. Meanwhile, the last monarchs were reported to have left Mexico on March 23rd…a week ago! Is your milkweed ready for eggs and baby caterpillars?

So what are the first milkweed options for monarchs returning to Texas and the southern US?

Asclepias Viridis is native to the south central US, and an important plant for supporting the first generation of monarchs each spring.  we've even been able to grow it perennially in Minnesota. You can more photos and info  the link below and get more growing info:

Asclepias Viridis ⬅️ (common name: Green Antelope Horn Milkweed)

We added a few plants in our new garden last spring, and will see if any comes back this season…I’ll be sure to post updates!


Asclepias Asperula is a similar species, but native to the southwest states and has showier blooms:

Asclepias Asperula ⬅️ (common name: Antelope Horn milkweed)


Are you starting to see how ordering plants by their common names can get confusing? 🌿🤪🌿 Always shop using the scientific/botanical plant name for best garden results.

Coming Up Next 👀

In your next newsletter, I'll share the most common native milkweed option that supports the MOST monarchs throughout the season for many regions, and is our TOP milkweed species for raising monarchs.

Until next time,

Tony your Butterfly Guide

If you're looking for a Milkweed QUICKSTART for raising butterflies in 2025, check out our new guide here: