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Information
Butterfly & Hummingbird Gardens
Like all living creatures, butterflies and hummingbirds look for an hospitable environment. One that will provide food, water and shelter. To attract them to our yards we need to create a habitat that will meet their needs. Plants that are a food source in the form of foliage for the butterfly caterpillars. Plants that are nectar sources for adult butterflies and hummingbirds. These plants can easily be incorporated into our gardens. There should be a diverse selection of food plants available. Make note of potential food sources in adjoining yards when planning your garden. Timing of food availability is also important.
A water source can be natural or provided by you. Running, moving or dripping water is best. Water should be shallow and clean. Such as a shallow garden fountain. Or as simple as a saucer or pie pan with some sand in the bottom. (Change water regularly.)
Shelter can be natural. The deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs in your yard. Or, you can make structures such as butterfly houses. Plans for these can be found online, or from your local extension office.
Butterflies also like a place to sun. A nice warm rock to accent your garden is the perfect spot for them. Planning your garden or yard to attract butterflies and hummingbirds can be a fun project for the whole family. Telly's friendly staff is always available to help with any questions about selecting the right plants for your area.
Food Plants for Caterpillars:
Anethum graveolens, Dill (annual)
Asclepias incarnata, Swamp Milkweed (perennial)
Asclepias syriacus, Milkweed (perennial)
Chelone species, Turtlehead (perennial)
Foeniculum vulgare, Fennel (perennial)
Petroselinum crispum, Parsley (biannual)
Ruta graveolens, Rue (perennial)
There are many other food sources enjoyed by caterpillars, such as Queen Anne's Lace, Cleome, some grasses, legumes, etc. You might want to look up the preferences of butterflies commonly found in your area.
Perennials for Butterflies:
Arabis species, Rock Cress
Asclepias species, Milkweeds
Aubrieta deltoidea, False Rock Cress
Buddleia davidii, Butterfly Bush
Cirsium vulgare, Bull Thistle
Dianthus Barbatus, Sweet William
Eupatorium species, Joe Pye Weed, Boneset, etc.
Gaillardia grandiflora, Blanket Flower
Iberis sempervirens, Candytuft
Lavandula angustifolia, Lavender
Lathyrus latifolius, Sweet Pea
Phlox paniculata, Tall Phlox
Primula species, Primroses
Sambuncus canadensis, Elderberry
Sambuncus ebulus, Dwarf Elderberry
Scabiosa caucasica, Pincushion Flower
Sedum spectabile, Cabbage Rose
Annuals for Butterflies:
Asclepias, Butterfly weed
Cleome, Spiderflower
Lantana species
Verbena hybrids
Perennials & Vines for Hummingbirds:
Ajuga reptans, Bugle Flower
Aquilegia canadensis, Columbine
Campsis radicans, Trumpet Vine
Delphinium species, Delphinium
Dicentra spectabilis, Bleeding Heart
Digitalis species, Foxglove
Hemerocallis species, Daylily
Heuchera species, Coral Bells
Hibiscus moscheutos, Hardy Hibiscus
Iris species, all Irises
Lobelia species, Cardinal Flower, etc.
Lonicera sempervirens, Honeysuckle
Merrtensia virginica, Virginia Bluebells
Monarda species, Bee Balm
Nepeta mussini, Catmint
Oenethera species, Evening Primroses
Phlox paniculata, Tall Phlox
Polygonum species, Knotweeds
Salvia officinalis, Common Sage
Sambuncus species, Elderberry
Wisteria chinensis, Wisteria
Annuals for Hummingbirds:
Antirrhinum majus, Snapdragon
Begonia semperflorens, Wax Begonia
Canna x generalis, Canna
Cleome hasslerana, Spiderflower
Dahlia hybrids, Dahlia
Delphinium, Larkspur
Fuchsia hybrids, Fuchsia
Gladiola hybrids, Gladiola
Impatiens species, Impatiens
Ipomoea convulvus, Morning Glory
Lantana hybrids, Ham N' Eggs
Mirabilis jalapa, Four O'Clock
Nicotiana alata, Flowering Tobacco
Pelargonium x hortum, Geraniums
Petunia hybrids, Petunias
Salvia species, Salvias
Tropaeolum majus, Nasturtiums
Zinnia elegans, Zinnias
Some Butterflies & Host Plants:
American Painted Lady: Antennariadioica, Anaphalis species, Gnaphalium species, most everlastings.
Painted Lady: Cirsium species (Thistles), most Compositeae (daisies).
Monarch: Asclepiaceae (Milkweeds).
Black Swallowtail: Umbellifereae such as Queen Anne's Lace, dill, fennel, parsley; Ruta graveolens (Rue).
Giant Swallowtail: Ruta graveolens (Rue).
Tiger Swallowtail: Salix species (Willows), Populus species (Cottonwood), Betula species (Birch), Fraxinus species (Ash), Prunus species (Cherry), Liriodendron tulipafera (Tulip Tree).
Cabbage White: Cole species (Broccoli, etc.), Tropaeolium majus (Nasturtium).
Common & Orange Sulfur: Clover, legumes, Lathyrus (Sweet Pea).
Red Admiral: Hops, Stinging Nettle.
Look online for more butterflies and their specific host plants.
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