The speaker is mistaken, milkweeds are not native in China. They are necessary host plants for monarch butterflies. Non-native “butterfly bushes” (from Asia I believe) attract pollinators but only for nectar, caterpillars cannot eat them. Many insect and bird species are specialists, greatly preferring or solely depending on a certain native species, and planting native plants can help reverse the current huge loss of insects and birds, and we can have the pleasure of observing them up close.
The speaker is mistaken, milkweeds are not native in China. They are necessary host plants for monarch butterflies. Non-native “butterfly bushes” (from Asia I believe) attract pollinators but only for nectar, caterpillars cannot eat them. Many insect and bird species are specialists, greatly preferring or solely depending on a certain native species, and planting native plants can help reverse the current huge loss of insects and birds, and we can have the pleasure of observing them up close.
your videos are awesome. been listening while gardning today. Cheers from south florida where we eat the weeds!