Nectar-rich, fall blooming plants are the most important gift we can offer these vibrant voyagers on their journey.
Waking up to temperatures in the 60s is a refreshing reminder that fall is finally here. And right on cue, monarch butterflies are arriving in San Antonio as part of their fall migration to Mexico.
With the worst of the summer heat behind us, it’s a great time for gardening and you still have time to apply for our WaterSaver Landscape Coupon. But hurry — the deadline is Oct. 15!
Monarchs were listed as an endangered species, so selecting plants that support this iconic species is more important than ever.
By now, many have gotten the memo that milkweed is necessary as a host plant for monarch caterpillars, but tropical milkweed may be problematic. It keeps monarchs from continuing their migration and hosts parasites.
San Antonio actually has quite a bit of milkweed growing along roadsides, especially zizotes. However, monarch butterflies aren’t typically laying eggs in the fall. They’re simply passing through. Nectar-rich, fall blooming plants are the most important gift we can offer them on their journey.
Here are some of the many plants you can add to your landscape to attract monarchs and satisfy their food needs.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Plateau goldeneye puts on a show every autumn with an abundance of yellow blooms. After they finish blooming consider leaving them (their seeds) as a food source for songbirds in the winter. This plant is great for large areas as it will sprout readily from seed and form colonies. |
![]() |
Other nectar options include:
Goldenrod
Gayfeather
Cowpen daisy
Maximillian sunflower
Flame acanthus
Fall aster
Evergreen sumac
Kidneywood
Cenizo
In 2015, San Antonio was declared the first Monarch Champion City by the National Wildlife Federation. Many San Antonio organizations have committed to restoring habitat for the state insect of Texas.
SAWS is partnering with Texas Butterfly Ranch for their Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival on Oct. 8 at Brackenridge park. Come by to say hello and get a free plant!