BUTTERFLY GARDENING
Easy as 1, 2, 3, (and 4!)
1. Find a sunny location (6-8 hours of sun); be sure area is protected from the wind by
bushes or some structure.
2. It's necessary to plant for TWO life stages, adult & caterpillar. Many times, different
plants are needed for each stage.
a) ADULT BUTTERFLIES need flowers which are nectar rich, especially seeking out
the colors purple, white, yellow, orange, and lavender.
b) CATERPILLARS are VERY fussy eaters. So adults seek out specific plants for
egg laying.
3. It's effective to plant flowers in "drifts" rather than single plants. Lots of beautiful
color will attract those buggers. Also, some butterflies like taller flowers - others like
those which are shorter.
4. Use NATIVE wildflowers and grasses (species) instead of cultivars.
| ADULT NECTAR PLANTS | CATERPILLAR PLANTS |
| * butterflyweed | * milkweeds(Monarch) |
| * blazing star | * parsley, dill, carrots (Black Swallowtail) |
| * black-eyed Susan | * violets (Fritillaries) |
| * coreopsis | * grasses, sedges (Skippers) |
| * asters | * thistles, pearly everlasting (Painted Lady) |
| * purple coneflower | * cabbage (Cabbage White) |
| * milkweeds | NOTE: Let the baby caterpillars stay on your plants. |
| * goldenrods | Plants will be chewed a bit but not ruined. |
| * Joe Pye weed | |
| * boneset |
to return home.
Earth-Joy, 22493 Milner, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081 (586)778-0443 (12/02)
