Monarchs and Seaside Goldenrod

Every fall two natural phenomenon's take place, the annual Monarch Butterfly Migration back south and the blooming of Goldenrod. Most of people think of "field" types of goldenrod at first, famous for making fall fields seem golden. Most people also don't seem to know about the Monarchs perilous journey down to Mexico it takes every autumn, and I thought I would highlight not only this incredible migration but also a different type of Goldenrod that fuels the Monarch's migration as they stumble along the Atlantic Flyway; Seaside Goldenrod.

Seaside Goldenrod, Solidago sempervirens L., is a Short-Day Perrenial, meaning it is a perennial plant whoms flowering coincides with the shorter days. It generally blooms August-October. 

The sand dunes Seaside Goldenrod grows on, with other plants including Beach Grass, provide valuable nesting habitat for many birds such as this Killdeer (named for it's call).

It also stabilizes sand dunes, and provides better foraging grounds for countless other birds such as Marsh Wrens and Chickadees.

Then there are the Monarchs. Every year Monarch Butterfly's migrate back south for a warmer winter, whereas most Butterfly's just overwinter. The Monarch's of eastern North America go to the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.

You may have heard of "Monarchs and Milkweed", or something of that nature (pun intended). This is because Monarch Butterfly caterpillars cannot eat anything but milkweed, but once they are adults they can drink the nectar from any flower. 
So this Seaside Goldenrod would be useless for a Monarch Butterfly caterpillar, they can only survive on Milkweed. For adults attempting Fall Migration however, it is a lifeline.

If you have not seen the fall Monarch Migration I recommend watching it when it occurs in your area, it is very cool to see in person. I also hope you appreciate more what is often considered a weed after reading this, and I put some resources below if you are interested in learning more!