Butterflies are some of nature’s most beautiful and delicate creatures, playing vital roles as pollinators in our ecosystems. To attract these winged wonders to your garden, it’s essential to understand what plants they eat at different life stages. This guide will explore the specific plants that nourish both adult butterflies and their caterpillars, helping you create a thriving butterfly habitat.
The Butterfly Life Cycle and Dietary Needs
From Egg to Adult: Changing Food Requirements
Butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis with four distinct life stages:
Egg Stage:
- Laid on or near host plants
- Doesn’t require food
- Lasts 3-8 days typically
Caterpillar Stage:
- Eating machines
- Consume host plant leaves
- Grow rapidly (200x original size)
- Lasts 2-4 weeks
Chrysalis Stage:
- Transformation period
- No eating occurs
- Lasts 10-14 days
Adult Stage:
- Feed on liquid nutrition
- Seek nectar sources
- Live 2-4 weeks usually
Caterpillar Host Plants: The Nursery Garden
Why Specific Plants Matter
Each butterfly species has evolved to lay eggs only on certain plants that their caterpillars can eat. These are called “host plants.” Without these specific plants, butterflies cannot complete their life cycle.
Top Host Plants by Butterfly Species
Monarch Butterflies:
- Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Swallowtail Butterflies:
- Dill (Anethum graveolens)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Citrus Trees (for Giant Swallowtails)
Painted Lady Butterflies:
- Thistles (Cirsium spp.)
- Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
- Mallows (Malva spp.)
Sulphur Butterflies:
- Clover (Trifolium spp.)
- Cassia (Senna spp.)
- Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Nectar Plants for Adult Butterflies
What Makes a Good Nectar Source
Butterflies prefer flowers with:
- Bright colors (especially purple, yellow, orange)
- Flat landing surfaces
- Clustered small flowers
- Daytime fragrance
- Accessible nectar
Best Perennial Nectar Plants
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Large purple daisy-like flowers
Blooms summer to fall
Drought tolerant
Attracts many species
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Cheerful yellow flowers
Long blooming period
Easy to grow
1-3 feet tall
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Pinkish-purple flower clusters
Late summer bloomer
Tall (4-7 feet)
Loved by swallowtails
Excellent Annual Nectar Sources
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Wide color range
Continuous blooms
Easy from seed
1-4 feet tall
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Bright orange flowers
Giant size (4-6 feet)
Late season favorite
Heat loving
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Cluster flowers
Blooms until frost
Multiple colors
1-3 feet tall
Trees and Shrubs That Feed Butterflies
Nectar-Rich Trees
Linden (Tilia spp.)
-
- Fragrant summer flowers
- Attracts many species
- Large shade tree
- 50-80 feet tall
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
-
-
- Long flower spikes
- Blooms summer-fall
- Many color options
- 5-10 feet tall
-
Important Caterpillar Host Trees
Oak (Quercus spp.)
- Supports 500+ caterpillar species
- Fall acorns
- Long-lived
- 40-80 feet at maturity
Cherry (Prunus spp.)
- Spring blossoms
- Host for swallowtails
- Ornamental value
- 15-30 feet typically
Regional Plant Recommendations
Northeast/Midwest
- New England Aster
- Goldenrod
- Ironweed
- Bee Balm
- Milkweeds
Southeast
- Firebush
- Pentas
- Passion Vine
- Coral Honeysuckle
- Stokes’ Aster
Western States
- California Lilac
- Manzanita
- Desert Marigold
- Globe Mallow
- Apache Plume
Creating a Complete Butterfly Garden
Essential Garden Elements
Host Plants:
For caterpillar feeding
Plant in multiples
Accept some leaf damage
Nectar Plants:
Variety of bloom times
Group by color
Include different heights
Shelter:
Dense shrubs
Tall grasses
Brush piles
Water Sources:
Shallow puddles
Damp sand
Misters
Garden Design Tips
Plant in Clusters:
-
- Easier for butterflies to find
- More visual impact
- Better pollination
Sun Exposure:
-
- Most prefer sunny locations
- Include some shade
- Morning sun important
Wind Protection:
-
- Use shrubs as windbreaks
- Create sheltered corners
- Avoid exposed hilltops
Plants to Avoid in Butterfly Gardens
Problematic Choices
Invasive Species:
-
- Some butterfly bushes
- Purple loosestrife
- Chinese wisteria
Pesticide-Treated Plants:
-
- Harmful to caterpillars
- Residual chemicals
- Always ask before buying
Tropical Milkweed in Warm Climates:
-
- Can disrupt monarch migration
- May spread parasites
- Cut back in winter
Seasonal Care Guide
Spring
- Clean up winter debris carefully
- Plant new host plants early
- Watch for first butterflies
- Divide crowded perennials
Summer
- Deadhead spent blooms
- Water during drought
- Add mid-season annuals
- Monitor for pests naturally
Fall
- Leave some seed heads
- Don’t cut all dead stalks
- Plant fall-bloomers
- Collect seeds
Winter
- Research new plants
- Order seeds
- Repair structures
- Plan expansions
Common Butterfly Species and Their Diets
Monarchs
Adult Nectar:
- All milkweeds
- Goldenrod
- Asters
- Joe-Pye weed
Caterpillar Host:
- Only milkweed species
Swallowtails
Adult Nectar:
- Phlox
- Milkweed
- Thistles
- Lilac
Caterpillar Hosts:
- Parsley family
- Cherry trees
- Tulip trees
Painted Ladies
Adult Nectar:
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Asters
- Milkweeds
Caterpillar Hosts:
- Thistles
- Hollyhocks
- Mallows
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do butterflies only eat nectar?
A: While nectar is their primary food, some also drink tree sap, rotting fruit, and even animal dung for minerals.
Q: How many host plants should I plant?
A: Start with 3-5 plants of each host species, grouped together.
Q: Can I use pesticides in my butterfly garden?
A: Avoid pesticides whenever possible as they can kill caterpillars and adult butterflies.
Q: Do butterflies drink water?
A: Yes, they prefer shallow puddles or damp sand where they can safely drink and absorb minerals.
Conclusion
Understanding what plants butterflies eat is the foundation for creating a successful butterfly habitat. By providing both the specific host plants caterpillars need and nectar-rich flowers for adults, you’ll support the complete life cycle of these beautiful insects. Remember that different butterfly species have different dietary requirements, so the more variety you can include, the more species you’ll attract.
Your butterfly garden will become a living classroom where you can observe nature’s wonders up close. As you watch caterpillars munching on leaves and butterflies sipping nectar, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of helping these important pollinators thrive. Start with a few well-chosen plants, observe what works in your area, and gradually expand your butterfly buffet over time. Every plant makes a difference in supporting these fragile but essential creatures.
