Painted Lady Host Plants

Canada Thistle

• Painted lady caterpillars are often called Canada thistle caterpillars, because they are often found feeding on this type of plant. Canada thistle is a tall plant with purple, feathery flowers and sharp-toothed leaves. The thistle grows aggressively in gardens and fields, requiring mechanical and chemical methods to control it.

Mallow

• Mallow is another plant that painted lady caterpillars host on. This weedy plant contains kidney-shaped leaves with pale pink and white blooms. Mallows are considered an annual, because they bloom from May to September.

Hollyhocks

• Hollyhocks are annual plants with tall stalks and round petals that bloom in a variety of colors. The plants thrive along fences or trellises. Painted lady caterpillars munch on the hollyhock's green foliage but do not touch the flowers, making the plant a favorite among butterfly gardeners.

Sunflowers

• Painted lady caterpillars are considered a pest by sunflower gardeners, since the insect is often found eating the tall plants. Sunflowers are known for their large blooms containing bright yellow and brown petals.