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Butterfly Gardens & PlantsThere are two different functions that plants serve for butterflies: nectaring plants for the butterfly and host plants, species specific plants that they can lay their eggs on (and the caterpillars will eventually eat). Floridata has an extensive Butterfly Section which identifies the plants that correspond to butterflies. To find out what butterflies are local to your area (United States & Mexico), visit this excellent site. Also, for Southern California visit Butterfly Gardens. As this site points out, there are fewer and fewer butterflies in suburban areas because there are so few native plants. Keep that in mind and shop for plants native to your area.Get free Milkweed seeds here. It's a great cause! The Monarch's population has decreased significantly in the last few years. NECTARING PLANTS Most butterflies only eat flower nectar. Different species of butterfly usually prefer different flowers, but they will generally feed on many types of flowers from plants, shrubs, vines, and trees. HOST PLANTS Butterflies only lay eggs on the plant that the caterpillar will eventually eat. This plant type is different from species to species. The eggs are usually laid on the underside of leaves. The caterpillars mostly eat leaves; usually the leaves that they were laid on. The chrysalis (pupa) does not eat, but needs a sheltered environment. It frequently hangs from a twig and is often camouflaged. PLANTS BUTTERFLIES Like Plan your garden so that there are flowers much of the year, so that there is a steady supply of nectar for the butterflies. Your climate will dictate the plant/butterfly combinations that work best in your area. Butterflies will search for nectar and for the host plant that the catepillars will eat. Provide both and you may be blessed with a whole lifecycle of butterflies, eggs, catepillar, pupa, to butterfly.
•Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) •Lantana •Zinnias •Bee balm •Purple coneflowers •Pentas •Sage •Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) or other milkweeds •Lilac •Sunflower •Marjoram •Hebe (these will attract many local butterflies). Do not use insecticides in your garden! They will kill butterflies and caterpillars. Determine which species thrive in your area, then determine what host plant the butterfly needs - see the table below. Butterflies and The Plants Their Caterpillars Eat
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