I just received this information in an email that had been forwarded several times. I do not know any of the people named nor do I even know if this is true but on the chance that it might be I think it is a reminder that we must always be vigilant.
DATE: April 27, 2017
SUBJECT: Milkweed and Monarch Butterflies
Some “Big Stores” have been selling Milkweed plants that have been treated with systemic Neonicotinoids.
This will kill caterpillars! Please, be aware and be on the lookout for these tags placed in plants.
Please pass this information along! I received from Mary Ellen Miller explaining the situation:
“Dear Sandy, I know you are busy ending your term. We, in New Orleans, just hosted the Deep
South and LGCF Conventions, but this needs immediate attention.
I purchased a Milkweed plant from Home Depot near my home and it wasn't until I got home that I
noticed the little information stick hidden behind the identification information that the plant had been
treated with systemic Neonicotinoids. The container boasted how desirable the plant is for birds and
butterflies. Yesterday I went to a different Home Depot and they had just put out an entire rolling cart
of these plants, maybe about 100, all poisoned. I contacted the store manager and told him that it is the
same as giving poison candy to kids on Halloween. This is THE host plant for the Monarch. My club,
Shady Oaks and our junior club, Little Shadows have worked so hard to establish a Monarch Way station
and to educate people on the decline of the Monarch. I hate to think of the millions of poison
Milkweed being distributed nationwide by Home Depot.
The container says distributed by Home Depot, 2455 Paces Ferry Rd N. W., Atlanta , Georgia.
I contacted the LSU Ag Agent for New Orleans, Dr Joe Willis. He said the Neonicotinoids will dilute
as the plants grow but that only a very small amount will kill the larva of the Monarch. He is contacting
the Master Gardeners of the area. I contacted the newsletters of the Jefferson Parish Council of
Garden Clubs and the Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Clubs to ask that they sent a notice
to our local members. I contacted a local GOA club and the president said she would inform her members.
I contacted our LGCF President and our Environmental School Chairman with the information.
We need a notice to Home Depot from a national source. I contacted the Monarch Watch organization
,www.MonarchWatch.org/ws at the University of Kansas (1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence,
KS 66045) . The Little Shadows Junior Garden Club registered our Monarch Way station with them.
We need his information has to be sent soon as these plants are being sold now to well meaning
people who are wanting to help the Monarch not kill them. I know you are very busy but I hate to
think of the billions of plants being sold nationwide and how that will cancel the efforts of so many to
stop the demise of the Monarch. Could you please help?. . . Sandy Robinson.”
Mary Ellen Miller
Contributed by Gigi Schmidt
