Monarch Seed Mix High Diversity
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Iowa State University Extension and Outreach helps carry Iowa State’s land-grant mission beyond campus, to be the university that best serves the citizens of Iowa. With Iowa State University, we embrace the land-grant philosophy of:
- access to high-quality education
- research applied to the needs of Iowa, the nation, and world
- extending knowledge to strengthen Iowa’s economy and citizens’ quality of life
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Abstract
The Iowa State University Monarch Research Team developed this seed mix to benefit (1) monarch butterflies; (2) the rusty patched bumble bee; and (3) a wide variety of other native and non-native pollinators. The plant species were selected to perform in well-drained and moderately welldrained soils. The seed mix contains 37 species of nectar- and pollenproducing forbs (wildflowers). The diversity of forbs will provide floral resources throughout the entire growing season. The mix also contains four milkweed species as milkweed is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars. Grass species included are mostly short to medium height in order to reduce competition with forbs.