Butterfly Garden Plants

Butterflies are a wonderful addition to any garden. Since butterflies help to pollinate plants, many gardeners try to attract these beautiful insects by creating butterfly gardens, which consist of plants that butterflies prefer to feed from or lay eggs on. Butterfly gardens also promote the livelihood of this insect, as they are diminishing in numbers due to habitat loss. Butterfly garden plants vary depending on the species of butterfly being attracted, and the native plants which can be grown in the location.

Butterfly garden plants in America range from milkweed to citrus trees. Monarch butterflies, perhaps the most recognizable butterfly in America, only lay eggs in the milkweed plant. Therefore, planting milkweed plants is almost a guarantee that monarch butterflies will visit your butterfly garden. Giant swallowtail butterflies, another common American butterfly, are also fairly easy to attract to your garden. However, since some farmers consider them garden pests, this is less common than attracting monarch butterflies. Giant swallowtail butterflies feed on plants like bougainvillea, and lay eggs in citrus trees. Since citrus trees are common in the South, that is the most likely place giant swallowtail butterflies can be seen.

Besides planting certain plants, butterfly gardens should include several additional features. First, most butterflies are attracted to low shade gardens, or partially shaded gardens. As insects, butterflies need external heat to regulate their body temperature, so butterfly garden plants that receive a good amount of sun daily are most effective. Large river rocks nearby can also serve as a good spot for butterflies to warm up and rest on. Finally, butterflies need water to survive, so having a small creek or pond in your garden is sure to attract butterflies as well.

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