Jersey City names swamp milkweed native plant of the year; local advocates urge broader native-plant promotion

The Jersey City Municipal Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-200 to designate swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) as the city's native plant of the year for 2026.

Councilwoman Little read the resolution highlighting swamp milkweed's role as a host plant for monarch caterpillars and its ecological benefits, noting that milkweed flowers provide high-energy nectar and support pollinators. The resolution directs the city to promote the plant across official communications and encourages its use in planting and habitat restoration.

Daryl McNichol of Wild Ones New Jersey Gateway, invited to speak after the adoption, thanked the council and described milkweed as "resilient and adaptable," praising its co-benefits for rain gardens, stormwater management and pollinator habitat. "Thank you for naming swamp milkweed as the first native plant of the year," McNichol said.

Council members emphasized the symbolic and practical value of the designation on Earth Day and encouraged wider outreach and partnerships with local native-plant organizations to expand planting and education.

Next steps: The resolution encourages city communications and outreach; council members and local groups signaled intent to coordinate on promotion and plantings.