Attracting Butterflies

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Attracting butterflies to your garden begins with choosing the right plants. Adding a few complimentary touches will increase your chances of drawing butterflies.

Plant Selection 

Plants that produce large amounts of nectar are best for attracting flying butterflies. Having the right host plants for butterfly larvae (caterpillars) will encourage the butterflies to remain in your garden.

Perennials

Achillea spp. (Yarrow)

Asclepias spp. (Milkweed)

Antennaria spp. (Pussytoes)

Aster spp. (Asters)

Coreopsis spp. (Tickseed)

Echinacea spp. (Coneflowers) 

Eutrochium spp.. (Joe Pye Weeds)

Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers)

  Liatris spp. (Blazing Stars) 

  Monarda spp. (Beebalm) 

  Phlox spp. (Phlox)

Rudbeckia spp. (Black Eyed Susans)

Salvia spp. (Garden Sage)

Solidago spp. (Goldenrod)

Viola spp. (Violets)

Zizia spp. (Golden Alexanders)

Trees

Acer spp. (Maples)

Amelanchier spp. (Serviceberries)

Asimina triloba (Pawpaw)

Carya spp. (Hickories)

Liriodendron tulipfera. (Tulip tree)

Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) 

Prunus spp. (Cherries, Plums)

Quercus spp. (Oaks)

Salix spp.  (Willows)

Sassafras albidum (Sassafras)

Shrubs

Abelia x grandifolia (Glossy Abelia)

Ceanothus americana (NJ Tea)

Cephalanthus occidentalis. (Buttonbush)

Clethra spp. (Summersweest)

Cornus spp. (Dogwoods)

Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)

Syringa spp. (Lilac)

Vaccinium spp. (Blueberries)

Viburnum spp. (Viburnums) 

Wisteria spp. (Native Wisteria)

Sources: Compiled from experience and Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies (ed. James D. Blume). For more information visit us on the web at www.behmerwald.com