Flowers Butterflies Like

The Importance of Flowers for Butterflies

Butterflies are one of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in the world. They come in many different colors and sizes and can be found all over the planet. One of the things that make butterflies so special is their relationship with flowers. In fact, flowers are essential to the survival of butterflies. They provide them with food, shelter, and a place to lay their eggs. In this blog post, we will explore some of the flowers that butterflies like.

What Attracts Butterflies to Flowers?

Butterflies are attracted to flowers for several reasons. First, flowers provide nectar, which is a source of energy for butterflies. Nectar is a sugary liquid that is produced by flowers to attract pollinators like butterflies. Second, flowers provide a place for butterflies to rest and warm up in the sun. Third, some flowers also provide a place for butterflies to lay their eggs.

15 Flowers Butterflies Like

Milkweed

Milkweed is a wildflower that is native to North America. It is an important plant for monarch butterflies because it is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. Milkweed flowers are also a great source of nectar for adult monarchs.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a popular garden flower that comes in many different colors. They are easy to grow and attract a variety of butterflies, including monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies.

Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower, also known as echinacea, is a tall perennial flower that blooms in the summer. It is a great source of nectar for many different types of butterflies, including the eastern tiger swallowtail and the black swallowtail.

Butterfly Bush

As its name suggests, the butterfly bush is a favorite of butterflies. It produces large clusters of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The plant is also easy to grow and attracts a wide variety of butterflies.

Lantana

Lantana is a tropical shrub that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. It is a favorite of many species of butterflies, including the Gulf fritillary and the zebra longwing.

Mexican Sunflower

The Mexican sunflower is a tall annual flower that produces bright orange or yellow blooms. It is a great source of nectar for many species of butterflies, including the monarch and the painted lady.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful wildflower that blooms from mid-summer to early fall. It is a favorite of many species of butterflies, including the eastern tiger swallowtail and the American painted lady.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular garden flower that comes in many different colors. They are easy to grow and attract a variety of butterflies, including the cabbage white and the common buckeye.

Pentas

Pentas is a tropical plant that produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It is a favorite of many species of butterflies, including the Gulf fritillary and the zebra longwing.

Verbena

Verbena is a low-growing plant that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. It is a favorite of many species of butterflies, including the monarch and the painted lady.

Cosmos

Cosmos is a tall annual flower that produces large, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. It is a great source of nectar for many species of butterflies, including the monarch and the painted lady.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a tall perennial plant that produces clusters of bright red or pink flowers. It is a favorite of many species of butterflies, including the eastern tiger swallowtail and the black swallowtail.

Phlox

Phlox is a low-growing plant that produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is a favorite of many species of butterflies, including the eastern tiger swallowtail and the black swallowtail.

Aster

Aster is a fall-blooming flower that comes in many different colors, including pink, blue, and purple. It is a great source of nectar for many species of butterflies, including the painted lady and the common buckeye.

Salvia

Salvia is a tall perennial plant that produces spikes of small, brightly colored flowers. It is a favorite of many species of butterflies, including the Gulf fritillary and the zebra longwing.

Creating a Butterfly Garden

If you want to attract butterflies to your garden, there are a few things you can do. First, choose a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the season. This will ensure that there is always a source of nectar available for butterflies. Second, provide a place for butterflies to rest and warm up in the sun. You can do this by placing flat rocks in sunny areas of your garden. Third, provide a place for butterflies to lay their eggs. Many butterfly species have specific host plants that they lay their eggs on. Research the butterflies in your area and plant the appropriate host plants.

FAQs About Flowers Butterflies Like

Q: Do all butterflies like the same flowers?

A: No, different species of butterflies are attracted to different types of flowers.

Q: What is the best time of day to see butterflies in my garden?

A: Butterflies are most active on sunny days, especially in the late morning and early afternoon.

Q: Can I attract butterflies with a bird feeder?

A: No, butterflies do not eat seed or suet. They are only attracted to flowers.

Q: How can I tell if a butterfly is male or female?

A: Male butterflies have brighter colors and smaller bodies than females.

Q: What should I do if I find a caterpillar in my garden?

A: If you find a caterpillar, leave it alone. It will eventually turn into a butterfly and help pollinate your garden.