Every spring and fall, Oklahomans watch as the brightly patterned orange and black butterflies make a pitstop in the state during their miles-long, twice-yearly migrations.

The migratory monarch butterfly has a lifespan of two to six weeks, though the butterflies born at the end of the summer live eight to nine months in order to make the journey south and spend the winter clustered in trees in Mexico and California. In the spring, they head to their spring and summer breeding grounds and migrate as far north as southern parts of Canada.

The species was listed as endangered in 2022 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but is yet to be classified as such under the Endangered Species Act in the United States. Their numbers are ever-dwindling due to habitat loss and climate change.

Some monarchs have already been spotted in Oklahoma this spring, but as the peak migration approaches, here’s what you need to know.

When will monarchs be in Oklahoma?

The orange and black butterflies have already been spotted in the state, including in southern and central Oklahoma.

During the trip north, monarchs will be looking for milkweed and nectaring plants to sustain them on their journey.

See monarch migration map

Keep up with the monarch migration, and upload your own spottings, at maps.journeynorth.org.

Best places to see monarchs in Oklahoma City

Monarchs are often drawn to parks and gardens where milkweed and native nectaring plants can be found.

In Oklahoma, the traveling butterflies are more likely to be found near Interstate 35.

Oklahoma City destinations monarchs seem to enjoy year after year include:

• Myriad Botanical Gardens
• Will Rogers Gardens
• Lake Hefner
• Oklahoma City Zoo

Where to find milkweed, nectaring plants for monarchs

While the spring migration is already underway, it’s not too late to help out the monarchs with your plant choices. Monarchs benefit from planting done in the spring, summer or fall, according to Okies for Monarchs.

This can be any native nectaring plant, and especially milkweed so the butterflies can have a place to lay their eggs and start the next generation.

Okies for Monarchs has tips on building a garden suited for monarchs and other pollinators, like where and how to plant, size of garden and other butterfly-friendly features you can add.

Some local nurseries that sell both native plants and milkweed include: