Album: Milkweed: More Than Just a Plant

Shenandoah National Park

In Shenandoah National Park, monarch butterflies find plenty of healthy habitat, including milkweed. Unfortunately, milkweed is sensitive to ozone air pollution and can be damaged when high concentrations are present during the growing season. The health of butterfly populations is threatened by habitat degradation. Of particular concern is the dramatic decline of the iconic monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), which has been partially attributed to the loss of milkweed habitat in the United States. Monarch butterflies cannot survive without milkweed because it is the only plant that their caterpillars will eat!