Designed specifically for the Western Slope and mountain valleys of Colorado, this mix focuses on monarch butterfly habitat while still delivering broad benefits for native pollinators and wildlife.
At the heart of the mix is showy milkweed, a critical host plant for monarch caterpillars in western Colorado, paired with a diverse blend of long-blooming native wildflowers that provide nectar from early summer through fall. Carefully selected grasses offer light structure and erosion protection without crowding out flowering species.
Key Benefits
- Supports monarch breeding and migration
- Provides season-long nectar for native bees and butterflies
- Includes locally adapted native grasses for site stability
- Maintains open structure ideal for pollinators and wildlife movement
Typical Uses
- Pollinator habitat plantings
- Wildlife habitat enhancement
- NRCS pollinator practices and conservation cover
- Field borders, idle corners, and restoration sites
NRCS Compatibility
- NRCS Practice 327 – Pollinator Habitat
- Compatible with 420 – Wildlife Habitat Planting when pollinators are a primary objective
Species Highlights
Yarrow (0.05), Milkweed, Showy (0.4), Balsamroot, Arrowleaf (0.2), Beeplant, Rocky Mountain (0.2), Wheatgrass, Slender (0.5), Flax, Lewis (0.2), Lupine, silky (0.4), Bergamot, Wild (Prairie Beebalm) (0.15), Wheatgrass, Western (0.6), Bluegrass, Sandberg (VNS) (0.2), Crownbeard (0.25). Updated January 2026.
This mix is a clean, western-native alternative to eastern monarch blends, ensuring better establishment, longevity, and ecological performance in Colorado’s western landscapes. The CO PF Western Monarch Pollinator Mix was retired, but if you would like to order, please contact Brooke Morgan at bmorgan@pheasantsforever.org.
