14 Species of Flora that Attract a Variety of Butterflies to Your Backyard

In a garden that hums with the delicate flutter of wings, various butterfly species find a welcoming haven. To attract these vibrant creatures, consider a combination of nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies and host plants for caterpillars, essential for supporting their lifecycle.

Yarrow (Achillea ‘Moonshine’) is a drought-tolerant perennial with yellow flat-topped flowers that bloom from late spring through late summer. Its flat landing surface is preferred by butterflies, making it an ideal choice for your butterfly garden.

Coral Bells (Heuchera) grow well in sun or shade and provide nectar with small blooms, while also adding shelter with their foliage.

'May Night' Salvia (Salvia x sylvestris ‘May Night’) boasts indigo flower spikes attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, blooming from late spring to early summer.

Tickseed (Coreopsis) is a native, long-blooming flower with red and yellow-orange colors, providing nectar continuously through summer.

Milkweed, a critical host plant for monarch butterflies' caterpillars, is also a rich nectar source for adults. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) and Lantana are rich nectar sources and considered butterfly magnets. Coneflowers and Lavender are hardy perennials that attract butterflies with their nectar.

Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) and Red Pentas are additional plants that attract various butterflies and hummingbirds.

To maximize butterfly visitation and lifecycle support, plant clumps of larval host plants like milkweed so caterpillars have food and shelter. Provide year-round nectar plants that bloom at different times to supply food throughout seasons. Avoid pesticides and use sustainable gardening practices to protect butterflies in all stages.

Some butterfly species have specific preferences. For instance, Mistletoe is used exclusively by Great purple hairstreaks for laying eggs and as a food source for their larvae. Sassafras is favored by the spicebush swallowtail, as it is where the swallowtail lays eggs and the leaves serve as a food source for the larvae.

Painted Ladies are attracted to Thistle, verbena, and daisies, while Black Swallowtails prefer Dill, fennel, and parsley. Monarchs are drawn to Milkweed, goldenrod, and asters, with goldenrod supporting migratory monarchs by providing late-season nectar in autumn, aiding in their transcontinental journeys. Cabbage Whites are attracted to Mustard, thistle, and clover, and Lavender attracts cabbage white butterflies due to its sweet scent and ample nectar.

By carefully selecting and cultivating these plants, you'll create a diverse and resilient garden that supports multiple butterfly species by providing nectar for adults and food for caterpillars, ensuring they feel welcome and can thrive. Consider local growing conditions and the plants' unique requirements to keep the butterflies coming back year after year.

In your garden, planting Yarrow (Achillea ‘Moonshine’) with its yellow flat-topped flowers will offer a landing spot for butterflies.
Coral Bells (Heuchera), with their small blooms and foliage, provide not only nectar for adult butterflies but also shelter.
'May Night' Salvia (Salvia x sylvestris ‘May Night’) offers indigo flower spikes that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout spring and early summer.
Tickseed (Coreopsis), a native flower, provides continuous nectar through summer, making it an essential addition to your butterfly garden.
To support the lifecycle of various butterfly species, supplement milkweed, a critical host plant, in your garden to provide food and shelter for caterpillars.
To attract a variety of butterflies and hummingbirds, consider including Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) and Red Pentas in your home-and-garden design.
To ensure a steady supply of food for butterflies throughout the year, incorporate plants that bloom at different times, such as milkweed for caterpillars and coneflowers or lavender for nectar, into your compost-rich soil and lifestyle.