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Butterflies have enchanted humans for thousands of
years. Aside from being beautiful, they often considered
to be symbols of hope, beneficial changes, and even
spiritual salvation. A great way to bring these lovely
creatures closer to your home is with the construction
of a garden that includes plants known to attract
butterflies. In order to build a successful butterfly
garden, you?l need to consider how to nurture butterflies
at every stage of their growth.
From Egg to Chrysalis
Butterflies go through an enormous amount of physical
change over the course of their lives. As a result,
the types of plants that they need to have on hand
varies according to these stages. In many cases, plants
with fine leaves are most favored by butterflies looking
for a place to lay their eggs. These plants are also
commonly used as food resources for the caterpillars
once they hatch.
Carrots and parsley are two plants with this type
of leave that is so often favored by butterflies.
However, if the plants may not be able to serve double-duty
?because caterpillars will also eat the parsley leaves,
you may want to plant some indoors for your cooking
needs. Queen Anne? lace and milkweed are also highly
attractive to butterflies during this stage of their
life.
Milkweed is also one of the most favored plants by
caterpillars that are building their chrysalises.
If you interested in attracting a specific type of
butterfly, do some research to find out which specific
plants they are most attracted to during this stage.
Chances are, if a species of butterfly is known to
visit your geographic region, there likely some type
of plant in the area that is attractive to them. Your
local cooperative extension agent may be able to give
you this type of information, or at least help you
locate it.
The Butterfly
Once a butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, it lives
of nectar instead of plant matter. Most butterflies
look for brightly colored flowers with many small
flowers packed closely together. For example, the
Mexican butterfly weed, milkweed, and gayfeather will
all attract butterflies. Coneflowers, asters, daisies
and Indian blanket flowers also tend to be irresistible
to butterflies. You?l also want to make sure to provide
some shelter for butterflies. Typically, cedar butterfly
houses will be suitable for this purpose. You can
also provide some broad leafed plants that provide
refuge during the rain or when there are predators
around.
Milkweed is also one of the most favored plants by
caterpillars that are building their chrysalises.
If you interested in attracting a specific type of
butterfly, do some research to find out which specific
plants they are most attracted to during this stage.
Chances are, if a species of butterfly is known to
visit your geographic region, there likely some type
of plant in the area that is attractive to them. Your
local cooperative extension agent may be able to give
you this type of information, or at least help you
locate it.
Whether you drawn by the mysterious Monarch Butterflies
or simply enjoy the sight of yellow and blue butterflies,
there are a number of plants you can use to attract
them into your yard. While milkweed and butterfly
bushes are two of the most common plants used to attract
butterflies, do some research to find out which butterflies
are most common to your area. Once you know which
butterflies you want to attract, you can begin the
process of including plants in your garden that will
get their attention and make it easier for them to
survive.
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