Doesn’t planting milkweed help Monarch Butterflies? The answer is not that simple. Experts are reporting that milkweed should only be planted in areas where it occurs naturally and we should only be planting milkweeds that are native locally.
Here is a brief excerpt from an article in Bay Nature
Turns out there is strong evidence that planting milkweed (Aesclepis sp.) in places it never was (San Francisco and other California counties) might not be the best idea. If they never bred somewhere, making them breed is not helping them. They should move along, or nectar, or overwinter in their South/Southwesterly Migration. Milkweed that never was is not missing. Get it?
So, this is what I would advise: a) Find out the local, native Milkweed endemic to your area. (Do not proceed to Home Depot because tropical milkweed is easier to buy. Do your research: call your local California Native Plant Society Chapter) b) If you live in Northern San Mateo County or San Francisco County, DO NOT PLANT MILKWEED.
Read Full Story at Should I Plant Milkweed to Save the Monarchs?
Natural History Wanderings 
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