By Kyle Peveto
LSU AgCenter
Monarch butterfly numbers have declined enough that one group of concerned scientists has placed the beloved insects on a watch list of endangered species.
Many Louisiana gardeners want to help the migratory monarchs by planting milkweeds, the host plant for the butterfly’s larvae, but knowing which species of milkweed to plant can require research, said Anna Timmerman, an associate extension agent for horticulture for the New Orleans area who researches native plants.