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Butterflies

Purple flowers of western ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii).

A Comprehensive Guide to Western Ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii)

Western Ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the midwestern United States. This plant is a host to the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Growing from 2 to 5 feet tall, this species grows in prairies, forest openings, fields, and pastures. It has pink… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Western Ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii)

American lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) on white flower.

A Comprehensive Guide to the American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)

The American Lady is native to essentially all of the continental United States, the southern tier of Canada, and south into Columbia. The host plants for this species are members of the Aster Family (Asteraceae), including everlasting (Gnaphalium obtusifolium), pussy-toes (Antennaria plantaginifolia), ironweed (Vernonia spp.), and burdock (Arctium spp.). The American Lady flies from May to November and 3-4 broods in a year, depending on location.

Flowers of clasping milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis) in a forest, a South Carolina milkweed.

20 Beautiful South Carolina Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) to Grow for Monarch Butterflies

South Carolina Milkweed Species to Include in your Butterfly Garden There are twenty species of South Carolina milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) that are native and can be grown for Monarchs and other butterflies such as Queen and Soldier butterflies. The Monarch butterfly in particular uses the cardenolides found in… Read More »20 Beautiful South Carolina Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) to Grow for Monarch Butterflies

Plant of green comet milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) in a field, an Oklahoma milkweed.

26 Beautiful Oklahoma Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) to Grow for Monarch Butterflies

Oklahoma Milkweed Species to Include in your Butterfly Garden There are twenty-six species of native Oklahoma milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) that can be grown for Monarch Butterflies and other insects. Milkweeds are an important host species for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterflies. The Monarch butterfly in particular uses the… Read More »26 Beautiful Oklahoma Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) to Grow for Monarch Butterflies

Flower cluster of engelmann's milkweed (Asclepias engelmanniana).

37 Beautiful Texas Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) to Grow for Monarch Butterflies

Texas Milkweed Species to Include in your Butterfly Garden There are thirty-seven species of native Texas milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) that can be grown for Monarch Butterflies and other insects. Milkweeds are an important host species for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterflies. The Monarch butterfly in particular uses the… Read More »37 Beautiful Texas Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) to Grow for Monarch Butterflies

Plant of Michaux's milkweed (Asclepias michauxii) with white flowers.

A Comprehensive Guide to Michaux’s Milkweed (Asclepias michauxii)

s Michaux’s Milkweed (Asclepias michauxii) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the southeastern United States. This plant is a host to the Queen (Danaus gilippus) and Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. Growing from 4 to 16 inches tall, this species grows in savannahs and pinelands and has… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Michaux’s Milkweed (Asclepias michauxii)

Plants of wheel milkweed (Asclepias uncialis) in sandstone.

A Comprehensive Guide to Wheel Milkweed (Asclepias uncialis)

Wheel Milkweed (Asclepias uncialis) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the south-central and southwest United States. This plant is a host to the Queen (Danaus gilippus) and Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. Growing from 1 to 2 inches tall, this species has purplish-rose flowers that bloom from… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Wheel Milkweed (Asclepias uncialis)

Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops) showing blue and orange spot.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)

The Striped Hairstreak is a light brown colored butterfly with distinctive white striping that is in the Gossamer Wing Family (Lycaenidae) of butterflies. It flies in the United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. The Striped Hairstreak generally feeds on members of the Rose Family (Rosaceae) and the Heath Family (Ericaceae).