08/30/2026
In the Garden by Carol Barany August 29, 2026
Imagine discovering your lifeâs work when you were still a child.
Dr. David James, Washington State University Associate Professor of Entomology, became a lepidopterist at the age of eight when he began raising caterpillars in his bedroom.
Decades later, he is an acknowledged expert on Pacific Northwest butterflies and recognized for his extensive studies of MonarchsâŠ.and he is still raising butterflies in his bedroom.
Monarch butterflies are known for migrating hundreds and even thousands of miles. Scientists believe these easily recognized butterflies ride warm air currents several thousand feet above the ground and use strong upper air currents to navigate. The journey seems almost impossible for such a small creature. Somehow, Monarchs battle strong winds, heavy rains, and scorching summer temperatures. If that wasnât enough, they must escape predators when they stop for flower nectar along the way to fuel their journey.
Until recently, their migration routes have been somewhat of a mystery. According to Dr. James, 50% of western Monarchs migrate south in late summer and early fall to the Pismo Beach and Pacific Grove areas of California. In the past, a small tag labeled with water-proof ink was placed on a newly emerged butterfly before it was released into the wild. It was hoped that the tagged butterfly would be found somewhere down the road by a Monarch tracking enthusiast.
And you thought finding a needle in a haystack was challenging.
Just recently, cellular tracking technologies allow a smart phone to detect and log solar-powered Bluetooth tags, the size of a grain of rice and worn by migrating Monarchs. This development was enough for Dr. James to purchase his very first smart phone. His device allowed him to discover just last week that a migrating Monarch recently released in Idaho was tracked covering over 80 miles in a single day.
How do I know all this? A large group of gardening and butterfly enthusiasts gathered at Ahtanum Youth Park on August 22 for an astonishing presentation by Dr. James on the breeding ecology and migration of Monarch butterflies in the western United States.
While migrating Monarchs are uncommon in central Washington, the journey of the Monarch was a perfect segue for Dr. James to list the best native plants to support not just Monarchs but other butterflies, pollinators and an array of beneficial insects in our Yakima County gardens.
In architecture, a keystone holds a structure together. In ecology, native species that have an outsized, critical impact on local ecosystems by supporting vast numbers of caterpillars, pollinators, and birds and critically supporting local food webs are called keystone plants. Keystone plants keep their natural habitat healthy and balanced. If they are lost, the whole system is in danger of breaking down.
For example, the research of entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy at the University of Delaware has identified 14% of native plants (the keystones) that support 90% of butterfly and moth species.
The research of horticulturist Jarrod Fowler has shown that 15% to 60% of North American native bee species are pollen specialists who only eat pollen from 40% of native plants.
Who doesnât want to support these vital pollinators? At the class, Dr. James listed âThe Dozen Best Native Plants for Benefical Insect Diversityâ for central Washington:
Spreading Dogbane, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Rabbitbrush (grey and green), Goldenrod, Buckwheat (Tall, Northern, Parsnip, Snow, and Strict), Milkweed (Narrow-leaved and Showy), Coyote Mint, Western Hyssop, Nettle, Wild Rose, and Wyethâs Lupine.
This dozen is part of his longer list that also includes Sagebrush, Slender Hawksbeard, Sunflower, Oregon Sunshine, Pearly Everlasting, Ocean Spray, Threadleaf fleabane,
Western Clematis, Mock Orange, Shaggy Daisy, Russian Olive, Coyote Willowâ
Whitestem Frasera, Western Hyssop, Coyote Mint, Blue Elderberry, Alfalfa, Blanket Flower, Columbia Cutleaf, Dusty Maidens, Western Wallflower, Silverleaf Phacelia, and
Chokecherry.
It turns out that the most productive keystone plants are trees. If you have space to add them in your landscape, they will make a significant contribution toward improving the habitat for insects and other wildlife.
While Dr. James did not provide a list, Washington State University Extension recommends some keystone trees for central Washington. Our low precipitation and hot summers require focusing on drought tolerant native selections and providing adequate establishment irrigation. WSU suggests Willow (Scoulerâs Willow), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Aspen and Poplars (Quaking Aspen), and Lodgepole Pine. Water Birch and Big Leaf Maple are adaptable shade and riparian trees.
Those of us who live on small lots cannot easily add large trees to our already
established garden. Many of the smaller native trees and shrubs, perennials, and grasses recommended by Dr. James make a better fit.
Tapteal Native Plants is having a sale at the Yakima Area Arboretum on Saturday, September 26 from 10-1. Over 50 species of local native and water-wise plants tailored for Central Washington will be featured, as well as seed packets and Heritage Garden Plant Selection Guides.
10% of the sale proceeds will benefit the Arboretum. Cash or check is preferred. Credit cards will be accepted with a small processing fee. Bring your own boxes or trays to transport your plants home. Tapteal Native Plans will gladly take any empty pots you have for reuse.
