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)
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.
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
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
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
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)
The Spicebush Swallowtail is found in the mid-western and eastern United States and the very southern parts of Canada. The host plants for this species are sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and spicebush (Lindera benzoin). The Spicebush Swallowtail flies from April to October and 2-3 broods in a year.
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)
Canadian Plum (Prunus nigra) is a large shrub to small tree that is native to the northern mid-west, New York, and New England in the United States and Canada from Manitoba and east. This plant is a host to the striped hairstreak and several moths. Growing from 10… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Plum (Prunus nigra)
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).