Posts about Nectar Plants.
Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the eastern and mid-western United States and the province of Ontario in Canada. This plant is a host to the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Growing from 2.5 to 10 feet tall, this species grows in… Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, meadows, gardens, woodland edges, and roadsides, where there is moist soil. The pink flowers bloom in the summer to early fall. It is not a host plant, but is a common nectar plant for many insects. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
Introduction Oval-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia) is a herbaceous perennial found in the northern parts of the midwest United States and Canada from British Columbia to Ontario. This plant grows in prairies, open woods, and roadsides that have sandy soil and is a host for the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus… Read More »Oval-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia), a Comprehensive Guide in 10 Sections
Western Sand Milkweed (Asclepias arenaria) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in sandy open places that are dry and have full sun. It is a host plant for the Monarch Butterfly and a nectar plant for other insects. The greenish-white flowers bloom from the late spring to early… Read More »Western Sand Milkweed (Asclepias arenaria), a Comprehensive Guide in 9 Sections
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in places with full sun or part shade. It is the host plant for three species of butterflies and a nectar source for other insects and the fruits are a food source for birds. The multi-colored flowers bloom in the summer and the fruits mature in the fall. Numerous horticultural varieties of this plant are found in the horticultural trade. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden shop.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a shrub that grows on the shores of lakes, ponds, streams and in swamps. It is the host plant for three species of moths and a nectar source for other insects and the fruits are a food source for birds. The white to yellowish… Read More »The Wet-Footed Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), a Sustaining and Tasty Shrub for Moths
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)