Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as meadows, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas that are dry. It is the host plant for two species of butterflies and a nectar source for other insects. The blue purple flowers appear in the… Read More »Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, woodlands, and roadsides that are mesic to dry. It is the host plant for two species of butterflies, two moths, and is a nectar source for other insects and hummingbirds. The purplish… Read More »Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in moist places on the shores of streams, lakes, and ponds. Cardinal flower is a nectar plant for butterflies, long-tongued bees, and hummingbirds. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop. Taxonomy… Read More »The Majestic Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as meadows, roadsides, and stream-sides. It is the host plant for six species of butterflies and a nectar source for other insects. The purple flowers appear in the spring or early summer and the… Read More »Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in places that have been disturbed by fire or grazed by animals. Since there has been fire suppression and there are not as many grazers in the forest, the habitat for this plant has been declining. Lupine is a… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
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.