Monarch Butterflies are pretty interesting and unique animals. But what's even more unique than the way the monarch butterfly looks, is what they eat. They eat all kinds of different flowers and tree leaves. Sometimes they even eat shrubs. The amazing part about what they eat is that they're able to eat a variety of vegetation.

What Types of Flowers do Monarchs Eat?

Most of their foods are Perennial flowers, which means that the flowers grow again and again each year. They eat about sixteen different types of flowers. For example, they enjoy the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Fulgida). This flower grows during the summer, and its color is normally yellow, and it is between the heights of 18-36 centimeters high. The Monarchs usually drink the nectar from this flower.

Monarchs also really enjoy Marigolds (Tagetaes Erecta). This flower grows usually between the summer and the beginning of fall. The Marigold has many types of colors such as yellow, red, and gold. This flower grows between 6-24 inches long. The Monarchs usually drink the nectar from this flower too. Marigolds and Black-eyed Susans are preferred by the Monarch Butterfly.

What Types of Shrubs and Trees do Monarchs Eat?

The Monarch butterfly enjoys eating Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra Alnifolia). This amazing bush starts appearing between mid-late summers. It is normally white and about 3-8 centimeters high. Monarchs love to eat the leaves on the bush. It is a big delicious treat for the Monarch Butterfly.

Another favorite of the Monarch Butterfly is the Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Davidii). They really enjoy this treat. This bush starts appearing during mid-late summer. The color is usually red and between 6-10 centimeters long. The Sweet Pepperbush and The Butterfly Bush are favorites for the Monarch Butterflies.

What is Milkweed?

Everyone thinks Monarch Butterflies only eat Milkweed. But do you know what Milkweed really is? It is a group of plants with milky sap and light wind-blown seeds. Many milkweed species are host plants for butterflies and are abundant in longleaf pine forests. Every Monarch likes it. The Monarch Butterfly is sometimes called the "Milkweed Butterfly" because when it is in its larvae stage it eats the plant. In fact, milkweed is the only thing the larvae can eat. If you'd like to attract monarchs to your garden, you can try planting milkweed (if you live in the right area).

Have you ever wondered why the Monarch Butterfly is so attracted to the milkweed plant. The main reason why Monarchs eat milkweed is because the milky sap of the milkweed provides protection for the Monarch Butterfly. If a bird tries to eat a Monarch, it receives a bad taste. The birds learn from their experience and will not eat another Monarch. This taste protects the Monarch Butterfly from its many predators.

As you can see, the Monarch Butterflies are astounding animals. They are exotic creatures, but the most amazing thing about these butterflies is what they consume. They are really fascinating creatures.