There are several plants that are highly beneficial for butterflies, providing them with nectar as a food source and serving as host plants for their caterpillars. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single “best” plant overall for butterflies, there are some popular choices that attract a wide variety of butterfly species. Here are a few plants that are generally known to be excellent for attracting and supporting butterflies:
1. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
As the name suggests, the butterfly bush is a favorite among butterflies. It produces long, showy clusters of flowers that are rich in nectar, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
2. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed plants are crucial for monarch butterflies as they serve as the sole host plant for their caterpillars. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. Planting different species of milkweed, such as common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) or swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), can attract monarch butterflies and provide a habitat for their entire lifecycle.
125 Butterfly Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias Tuberosa) for North America 2024 – Free Shipping
More than 600mg of Butterfly Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias tuberosa). Origin Kentucky. Free shipping.