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Host Plants

Plants of prairie ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) in a field.

A Comprehensive Guide to Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the midwestern and Great Plains of the United States and the province of Manitoba. This plant is a host to the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Growing from 2 to 4 feet tall, this species grows in moist prairies and has pink to purple flowers that bloom from July to September. This plant is hardy in zones 4-9.

Plant of Texas milkweed (Asclepias texana) with white flowers.

A Comprehensive Guide to Texas Milkweed (Asclepias texana)

Texas Milkweed (Asclepias texana) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the state of Texas in the United States and adjacent Mexico. This plant is a host to the Queen (Danaus gilippus) and Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. Growing from 8″ to 3 feet tall, this species has white flowers that bloom from May to August. It is hardy in zone 6.

Leaves of alternate-leaf dogwood (Cornus alternifolia).

A Comprehensive Guide to Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a tree that is native to the mid-west and eastern United States and Canada. This plant is a host to the Spring Azure butterfly (Celastrina ladon) and the Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia). Growing from 10 to 15 feet tall, this species has yellow to white flowers that bloom from April to June It is hardy in zones 3-7.

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