Georgann Schmalz
Birding Adventures,Inc.

The first step in attracting butterflies to a wildlife habitat is to observe which species live nearby. Attracting them is a matter of offering nectar-rich flowers for the adults and foliage for the caterpillars.  Listed here are plants that are easy to grow and require little maintenance, but need a warm, sunny spot in the garden.

Butterflies are attracted to  brightly colored red, orange, and yellow flowers.  The best blossoms have an open, flat platform, or inflorescence, where a butterfly can perch while taking nectar from the many small flowers.  The larger the patch of flowers, the greater the attraction and the longer the butterfly will remain feeding.

Flower fragrance is another consideration when choosing butterfly plants.  The strong, sweet fragrancies of honeysuckle, butterfly bush, and lantana appeal to both butterflies and people.

In addition to flowers, a butterfly garden should include shrubs, vines and trees planted around the perimeter
that offer not only nectar,but also shelter from wind.  Another way to provide a place for butterflies to perch,
roost or hibernate is to create a log pile.  Build a many-layered pile in a shady spot and cover it with canvas or plastic.  Wooden hibernation boxes may also provide shelter during cold, winter months.

Adult butterflies will remain in a garden searching for a place to lay their eggs.  Many trees, flowers, herbs and vegetables make good larval food sources, but each caterpillar is specific to what it eats.  Selecting the right plant for a certain butterfly larvae will reward you with the wonder and beauty of butterfly metamorphosis.

SOME BUTTERFLIES OF THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
THAT CAN BE ATTRACTED TO YOUR YARD

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