G93-1183-A
Original document at
http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/horticulture/g1183.htm
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This NebGuide outlines planting schemes and arrangements that will help attract butterflies to a garden area.
Dale T. Lindgren, Horticulture
Stephen M. Spomer, Entomology
Amy Greving, Horticulture
Butterflies can be found in almost any part of Nebraska, from the Pine Ridge's
coniferous forests and across the grasslands of the Sandhills to the deciduous
forests along the Missouri River. Watching butterflies, much like bird watching
or observing wildflowers has become a popular and enjoyable pastime. Since many
natural butterfly habitats have been lost to urbanization and other development,
some environmental organizations have incorporated butterfly conservation into
their programs. Many people are taking a personal interest in attracting these
fascinating insects to their gardens. By choosing the right plants, you can
attract many different butterflies, adding a moveable mural of color to your
landscape.
Butterflies and moths belong to the insect order Lepidoptera. They are well-known for their beauty, may act as pollinators for some plants, and are a food source for certain animals. The presence or absence of butterflies is an indicator of the health of our environment.
Butterflies go through a four-stage developmental process known as metamorphosis (egg, larva or caterpillar, pupa or chrysalis, and adult). Understanding a butterfly's life cycle can make butterfly watching more enjoyable, and the knowledge is an important asset to people who want to understand the principles of attracting butterflies to their gardens.
Depending on the species, the life cycle of a butterfly (one generation) may take anywhere from about one month to an entire year. Nebraska butterflies may have one, two, or more generations (broods) per year. Usually, the most common butterflies are multiple-brooded and provide a continuous array of color and activity to your butterfly garden throughout the season.
In Nebraska, some of the most readily-attracted butterflies include:
Although plant selection and placement are the most effective methods to attract butterflies, site selection for a butterfly garden is also important. Butterflies like sunny sites and areas sheltered from high winds. Warm, sheltered sites are most needed in the spring and fall. Provide rocks or bricks for pupation sites and for basking and warming in the sun.
Butterflies require food plants for their larval stages and nectar plants for the adult stage. Some larvae feed on specific host plants, while others will feed on a variety of plants. If possible, include both larval host plants and adult nectar plants in your butterfly garden.
Plants that attract butterflies are usually classified as those that are a food source, a nectar source, or both. Some of these plants will also provide protection from predators, offer shelter, a place to lay eggs, and a place to attach chrysalides. It can be relatively simple to attract butterflies and still have a garden that suits your tastes and needs. Nectar flowers and other favorite butterfly plants come in many forms--annuals, perennials, herbs, vines, grasses, shrubs, and trees. The plants can be native or non-native.
If
you just want to attract a few more butterflies than you have seen in past
years, simply plant more of the nectar flowers commonly visited by adults. If
you want to attract many different species and you live in an urban or suburban
area where there are few pasture or woodlands, you will need to add plants that
are a good source of food for butterfly larvae (caterpillars) as well. Include
an assortment of plants for season-long bloom. The time of flowering, duration
of bloom, flower color, and plant size are all important considerations when
selecting plants to attract butterflies.
Many plants which attract butterflies, especially trees and shrubs, may already be present in a specific area. Although weeds and some native plants are generally not welcome in a garden, allowing them to grow under supervision may be an option, as these plants help attract butterflies. Try to avoid plants like blue flax and grayhead prairie coneflower that readily reseed and may take over and dominate garden sites.
Plants with clusters of flowers are often better than plants with small, single
flowers because it is easier for butterflies to land on clustered and/or larger
flowers. Planting in mass (several plants of the same kind) will usually attract
more butterflies, as there is more nectar available to them at a single stop.
Select plants adapted to your site and location, and develop a plan for the
butterfly garden. Several books are available with butterfly garden plans. (For
a sample plan, order the hard copy of this NebGuide. Check with your local
Extension office.)
It is difficult to have a successful butterfly garden in locations where insecticides are used. Pesticides, specifically insecticides, can kill butterflies as well as a host of other useful insects. Even biological controls, such as BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) will kill butterfly larvae. When treating for insect pests, always consider non-chemical methods of pest control before turning to pesticides.
Plants that attract butterflies may also attract bees and wasps. Most bees and wasps, busy with their pollen and nectar collecting tasks, are not likely to sting if left undisturbed. However, if you are allergic to bee and wasp stings, be careful! Butterfly gardens may also attract other forms of wildlife, both wanted and unwanted species.
{L} = Larval Food Plants
{N} = Nectar Plants
(Refer to
references [additional information] for flowering periods.)
Annuals grow, flower, and complete their life cycle in one season. There is a wide range of flower types, colors, growth habits, and heights to choose from. Removal of old flowers (deadheading) of annuals may be necessary to encourage continued blooming.
Common annual flowers that attract butterflies include:
Biennials form a rosette plant the first year, flower the second year, and
then die. Biennials to consider for use in butterfly gardens include:
Herbs are used for flavoring food. Butterflies are also attracted to them as
a nectar source as well as a larval food source.
Most shrubs have a limited flower duration. However, they can provide good,
short-term nectar sources, as well as butterfly habitats.
Trees can serve a vital function as a larval food host, a nectar source, or
protection.
Perennial herbaceous plants are nonwoody plants that live and flower for more than 2 years. Some plants, like alfalfa and clover, may not be suitable for a small flower garden, but they may be found or encouraged to grow in surrounding areas.
Herbaceous perennials to consider include:
Grasses can be annuals or perennials. Height can vary from a few inches to several feet. They can be native or introduced and can be larval food and/or nectar plants.
Electronic version issued February 1996
Marti LaChance, electronic
publications editor
agcm042@unlvm.unl.edu
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.