6 Native Flowers to Plant Now for a Butterfly Haven
April 22, 2024
source: Pexels
One of my favorite childhood activities was chasing butterflies in the sprawling fields behind my grandma’s house. These colorful, beautiful creatures seemed so magical and delicate, fluttering from flower to flower. I could just spend the whole summer day like this, armed with a makeshift net fashioned from an old curtain and a coat hanger. Even then, as a kid, I always dreamed of a house with a huge yard where I would have my very own butterflies to watch and observe. Fast forward to adulthood, and while I can’t say that my backyard is huge, there’s still enough space to create a haven for these delightful creatures.
Creating a butterfly garden is not just about beauty and fulfilling a childhood dream; it’s about contributing positively to our environment. Butterflies, like bees, are great pollinators. While they flutter from flower to flower, they are actually facilitating the reproduction of many plants, ensuring that we have those blooms for years to come. More importantly, by attracting butterflies, we can help support the biodiversity in our area. This is crucial at a time when many native butterfly populations are declining due to habitat loss and environmental changes.
But before you start planting willy-nilly, it’s essential to consider a few things to effectively attract butterflies. First, choose the right native plants. Native plants provide not only nectar but also necessary habitats for butterflies to lay their eggs and for caterpillars to feed on. Moreover, native plants tend to be more resilient and require less water and care than non-natives. Also, think about planting in clusters to help butterflies conserve energy while foraging.
Here are six native flowers that I’ve found successful in attracting butterflies, turning a garden into a little bustling ecosystem of its own:
1. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Phlox’s vibrant flowers are not just a hit with humans; butterflies can’t seem to get enough of them either. The large clusters of pink, white, or purple flowers bloom right through summer into fall, providing a long-lasting dining spot for your fluttering visitors. I remember the first year I planted them, the air was soon vibrating with the wings of dozens of butterflies.
2. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Despite its less-than-appealing name, Joe-Pye Weed is a powerhouse when it comes to attracting pollinators. It grows quite tall, often reaching up to six feet, and its dusty pink flowers make it a majestic sight. It’s particularly good at attracting larger butterfly species, which is always a spectacular sight.
3. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
A type of milkweed, this plant is a must-have for anyone interested in seeing more monarch butterflies. The vibrant orange flowers not only add a pop of color but are also crucial for the lifecycle of these beautiful butterflies. Planting butterfly weed was a turning point for my garden—it became a nursery for monarch caterpillars.
4. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Not only is this plant beautiful with its bold purple petals and spiky centers, but it’s also a favorite among many different butterfly species. It’s sturdy and can thrive in poorer soils, which makes it a low-maintenance option for a busy gardener like me.
5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These bright, sun-facing flowers are a staple in many butterfly gardens. They bloom profusely and can cover large areas if allowed, creating a sea of yellow and black that’s incredibly striking—and incredibly effective at drawing in butterflies.
6. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Last but certainly not least, milkweed is perhaps the most crucial plant for monarch butterflies. It serves as the only host plant for their larvae and provides nectar for the adults. By planting milkweed, you’re contributing to the survival of these iconic butterflies, which are, sadly, experiencing declines in population.
Having a butterfly garden has transformed not just my yard but also my appreciation for the intricate relationships within nature. The dance of butterflies among these flowers shows us the beauty and complexity of our ecosystem. By choosing the right plants, like the ones listed above, you’re not just creating a stunning visual spectacle; you’re also taking an active role in conserving your local environment. So why not start this delightful journey today?