This year, 403 observers reported on Nectar Connectors species, up from 375 last year. These observers submitted data at 218 sites. The most observed species across the country were common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), rush milkweed (Asclepias subulata), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

We have 56 Local Phenology Programs tracking Nectar Connectors species this year. The 10 LPPs submitting the most records this year are below. Thanks to you all for your efforts - every record that you submit is valuable!

The map below indicates the sites where you reported on Nectar Connectors species this year. The colors of the dots indicate when the average first date of open flowers was reported at that site, with earlier dates in dark red and later dates in gold. The shape of the dots represents the different genera of nectar plants.

Generally, your reports of first flowers in the Southeast this year were early or late in the year, corresponding with the time when monarchs are migrating through the region. In the Midwest and Northeast, you reported onset of flowering throughout the spring, summer, and fall. In the West, your reports were generally early in the year, particularly in the Southwest.

To get a better idea of how many flowers were available at different times of the year, we can look at the number of individual plants with open flowers by region.

• In the Midwest and Northeast, flowers were available for much of the year but the highest number of plants with flowers occurred in the summer and fall.
• In the Great Plains and Southeast, flowers were available most of the year.
• In the West, flowers were more common in the spring.

You can explore these results on our interactive Nectar Connectors Campaign Results dashboard.

What does this mean for monarchs? In the Eastern United States, monarchs migrate north from Mexico in the spring, and subsequent generations eventually reach the northern United States and Canada in the summer. Monarchs then make their migration back south in the late summer and fall. The Western population follows a distinct migration pattern and generally winters in coastal California.

As we found in previous years, your reports indicate that generally flowers were available for monarchs at locations along their migration route at the time monarchs would need them in a typical year. 

As we see more unusual seasonal climate such as early springs and late autumns, your data will help us to better understand the subtle changes in the timing of flowering from year to year. This will help us to know how nectar sources are shifting, and whether sufficient flowers are available where and when monarchs and other pollinators need them the most.

For example, let's look at the timing of open flowers in eastern baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia) reported by observers over the past six years. This species is an important fall blooming plant for monarchs as they make their way south to their wintering grounds. The observations vary by several weeks, though most years had a peak in mid-late October. Your observations of flowering reported at the same locations over multiple years are incredibly valuable to help us see changes from year to year. You can explore this visualization here.

Did you earn your Nectar Connectors badge this year? See it on your Observation Deck.

We hope that you will join us again next year to continue to report on flowering of your nectar plants.

Would you like a holographic nature's notebook sticker (pictured at right)? Send your mailing address to [email protected] and we will mail one to you. 

Thank you for your contributions to this important project!