Date: 05/09/2011

Number: 1

I should say.. in optimal conditions: common milkweed is just emerging (3/4”) from the soil. This plant is about 3 years old and is nestled in a garden with very dark mulch so its warming more quickly than the common dusty beige clay soil in my region. The “wild” field milkweeds are not yet up, but that soil is staying cooler as the grasses are towering about 1’ & providing shade. This area is just above 42 d latitude. Rondeau Park in Ontario is south of me. (Don Davis reported a monarch sighted in Rondeau earlier.)

May 11
I checked the local Parks & Rec’s grounds where thousands of common milkweeds flourished last year and found a dozen sprouts in a area about 50’ x 80’. The field is perhaps 7 acres and I didn’t check it all. Most of the sprouts were 3”-4” and in clumps of 3-5 shoots. This area is downtown Davisburg, MI – latitude 42, NW of Detroit about one hour’s drive.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Davisburg, MI

Latitude: 42.7 Longitude: -83.5

Observed by: Debbie
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