There are about 725 species ofbutterfliesin the U.S. and Canada , with the humble having a wingspread of a mere half - inch ( the westerly Pigmy blue ) and the largest measuring about five inches across ( the jumbo swallowtail ) . Butterflies add up in a rainbow of hues , include black , orange , yellow , and reddish and blue . Each species calls a different geographic realm dwelling . Regardless of their size , color and household territory , almost all adult butterflies feed on bloom nectar . Yes , some lap up tree sap or consume decaying organic affair , but most require nectar . To enjoy these fluttering beauties in your garden , include a broad reach of nectar flora for butterflies in your landscape . Here are some of our favorite .
The Best Nectar Plants For Butterflies
Perennials For Butterflies
Annuals For Butterflies
Shrubs for butterflies
In addition to this unretentive list of plants are many regionally native plant species that invoke to butterflies . The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation has more specific regional plant lists that you canaccess here . It is a outstanding imagination for data on nectar plants for butterflies as well as our many species of native bees .
What To Include In A Butterfly Garden Besides Nectar Plants
In addition to include heap of nectar plants for butterflies , there are a few other thing you should let in in your garden to attract and support these pollinator .
A Water Source
butterfly mainly get at the weewee then need via the nectar they drink , but have a shallow goat god or bowl filled with small rocks and a scrap of water can aid keep them hydrated dSring summer ’s warm atmospheric condition . The butterfly will alight on the rock and suck the piddle through their proboscis as need . Be trusted to clean out the bowlful and refill it twice a week .
Rotting Fruit
Many butterflies supplement their diet by feeding on decayed or fermenting fruit . In my own garden , the violent admirals are finical fond of any overripe fruit I leave sitting out for them . slice of old orange tree , mangos , pineapples , watermelonsand banana are favorites . Put the fruit out on a shallow tray , but take it in at night to keep nocturnal critters , such as racoon and opossums , from finding it . set the yield tray in a shallow goat god of body of water will keep emmet off the fruit , too .
Mineral Salts
Many butterflies are also doting of lap up the mineral nutrition found in manures and other rotting organic material . To satisfy this want , occupy a shallow bowlful with sand and mix in two or three tablespoon of old horse or cow manure ( do not utilize pet or human dissipation , please ) . Wet the guts until it ’s damp and let the butterfly do their thing . Refill the bowl with sassy sand and manure every two to three weeks .
Caterpillar Host Plants
In addition to needing nectar , butterfly stroke also need a space to lay their eggs . Most gardeners know that monarchs pauperization milkweed because it ’s the only plant their caterpillars can eat , but did you get laid that draw of other butterfly have very specific host - plant needs ? Include as many of these caterpillar host plants as potential and you ’ll see plenitude of adult butterflies as a result . Here ’s a majuscule listof specific butterfly host plant .
For more information on the best ambrosia plants for butterflies , as well as their caterpillar server plant life needs , check outPollinator Friendly Gardeningby Rhonda Fleming Hayes andAttracting Native Pollinatorsby the Xerces Society .
