MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has named milkweed the 2025 Plant of the Year through its Rare Plant Monitoring Program.

The announcement was made Wednesday, May 14 and encourages residents to plant native milkweed species to support monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Wisconsin has 13 native milkweed species, five of which are listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed as the sole host plant for their eggs and caterpillars.

The Rare Plant Monitoring Program will focus volunteer efforts on locating and surveying rare milkweed species this year.

More information, including where to find native plant nurseries and upcoming sales, is available by clicking here.