Several months back I started narrowleaf milkweed plants (seeds from livemonarch.com). About a week ago I noticed the first caterpillar, and the next day the second. Today the one at the top of the photo left the plant and started looking for a spot to pupate. Also today, found 4 (!!) more caterpillars amongst the plants. I am beyond thrilled, I never expected to get monarchs actually laying eggs on these plants so soon.
I agree but I do think we have to be careful to specify that locally appropriate milkweeds be planted rather than blanket saying plant milkweed no matter what. Some damage has been caused by people importing and planting ex. tropical milkweed Asclepias curassavica which is invasive in certain regions and has negative effects in those areas like tricking monarchs to stay and breed in regions where cold snaps may roll in to wipe them out, cut down on migratory behavior, and also allow Ophryocystis elektroscirrha spores to build up and infect many monarchs.
There’s such a huge variety of native milkweeds to fit all manner of situations, there are something like 19 different species native to my region of my state that can handle anything from standing water in dark forests (ex. Asclepias perennis) to blazing sun on sand (ex. Asclepias humistrata).