Gomphocarpus physocarpus and the Monarch Butterfly

The balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) is one of the best plants for attracting monarch butterflies. This unique shrub, which reaches heights of 4 to 6 feet (1-2 m.), is also known by a long list of alternate names including balloon cotton bush, family jewels, Oscar milkweed, goose plant, and swan plant to name just a few.

The monarch butterfly or simply monarch is a milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Other common names, depending on region, include milkweed, common tiger, wanderer, and black-veined brown. It is among the most familiar of North American butterflies and an iconic pollinator, although it is not an especially effective pollinator of milkweeds. Its wings feature an easily recognizable black, orange, and white pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 cm.

Although found in many places around the world, the monarch is considered a New Zealand native because it became established here on its own. Monarch in New Zealand are threatened by their dependence on swan plants. Without these plants, monarchs could not breed here.