Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a tree that reaches the canopy in northern United States and the understory in the southern United States. This plant is a host for five species of butterflies and a nectar source for many others that use the white flowers in the… Read More »Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), a Popular and Supportive Friend to Insects
Introduction Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a herbaceous perennial that grows on the shores of streams, lakes, ponds, ditches and places where there is a high soil moisture. This plant is a host for the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The plant produces red to pink flowers in the… Read More »Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) in 11 Easy Sections
Balloon Milkweed (Asclepias physocarpa) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, meadows, disturbed areas, and roadsides. This plant is a host for butterflies of the Danaus genus, which includes Monarchs.
Introduction New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, meadows, disturbed areas, and roadsides. In the fall, this plant flowers with goldenrod to form a mosaic of purple and yellow. This plant is a host for the Pearl Crescent… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is an understory tree that has the largest fruit of the native plants in North America. Pawpaw has purple-brown flowers that bloom in the spring with a green fruit in the late summer to fall. It is the host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail.
Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in wet places such as floodplains, swamps, and ditches. It is the host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop. Taxonomy and History of Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
American Senna (Senna marilandica) is found in open areas that have full sun and are well drained. Senna has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. It is the host plant for three species of butterflies. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to American Senna (Senna marilandica)
Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) is a herbaceous perennial that is found in open areas with moist soil such prairies, fields, and powerline right-of-ways. It has yellow flowers that appear in the summer. It is the host plant for two species of swallowtail butterflies and a species of mining… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a common understory shrub in the forests of eastern North America. It has fragrant yellow/green flowers that appear in the early spring and is the host plant for two species of butterflies and one moth.
Other than Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), butterfly weed is one of the more common species that is thought of for butterflies and in terms of milkweeds. Its orange flowers are distinctive and unlike most milkweeds, it lacks a milky sap. Butterfly Weed can be purchased in the McMullen… Read More »Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)