Plants & Flowers for Butterfly Gardens

Butterfly Weed

• The butterfly weed is native to the eastern United States, where it is commonly found in fields and open prairies. The flowers attract a variety of butterflies to the garden, including the Monarch butterfly. The plant grows in USDA zones 4 through 10 and grows to one or two feet tall. Its bright orange flowers bloom from early to late summer and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.

Echinacea Flowers

• Four of the flowers in the echinacea family make excellent additions to butterfly gardens: the purple cornflower, pale echinacea, narrowleaf echinacea and atrorubens, a rare species found in the southern midwest. The purple coneflower is especially effective, and is commonly found in tallgrass prairies along the east coast. All of the flowers are perennials with long blooming periods.

Aster

• Aster flowers provide a nectar source for several butterfly species, including buckeye, painted lady, red admiral and viceroy butterflies. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white and blue. Over 180 varieties are available, making them a widely available flower choice for various regions. Varieties include the Italian, Jenny and sky blue aster.

Host Plants

• In addition to flowers, a butterfly garden needs a variety of plants to serve as host plants for larvae. These plants will be eaten by caterpillars, so you might want to plant them in an inconspicuous location. Herbs such as fennel, dill and parsley, as well as vegetables like cabbage, carrots, broccoli, pea and alfalfa, are excellent choices. Willow, elm, birch and milkweed are also sure to attract female butterflies.