Corn pollen is fairly heavy, and most of it seems to settle directly in the field. Compared to other states in the mid-west, Michigan and Ohio have fewer acres of Bt field corn. Corn fields in Michigan tend to be smaller, and the cropping pattern more diverse, than in the rest of the corn belt. Thus much of Michigan is not within 600 feet of a corn field, much less a Bt corn field. Milkweed plants are found throughout Michigan along roads, in fields, pastures, swamps, and around homes.
Some types are available commercially to plant in butterfly gardens.
Thus in Michigan, milkweed is more often found along roadsides, in ditches, and field margins rather than in corn fields themselves. Milkweed species in Michigan eaten by monarchs are listed below. Of the species, common milkweed is the most likely to be located near corn fields, and thus dusted with corn pollen. Seldom in cultivated fields. Seldom in cultivated fields.