Plants That Attract Butterflies

Approximately 150 species of butterflies can be found in Illinois. Unfortunately, they are declining in numbers, mainly due to the loss of wetlands and prairies. Planting butterfly gardens will help support their populations and, as a bonus, give us the pleasure of their beauty in our yards.

Plants for caterpillars

When planning a butterfly garden, we always think about the showy flowers that attract the butterflies. But remember that butterflies start out as caterpillars, the butterfly larvae. And caterpillars require specific (generally native) woody plants (trees or shrubs) to feed upon. You won’t get the butterflies if you don’t have the plants necessary for their larvae.

Here are some examples of woody plants needed for specific butterfly larvae. They are all native to the Riverwoods area. Many are very common here and can be easily found throughout the village.

Plants for butterflies

Most flowering plants that attract butterflies require sun. Plant these at the woodland edge, in an open meadow, a prairie or in a sunny garden. The butterflies require sun, too. They warm their flight muscles in the sunlight and will rest on a warm stone or board when they aren’t feeding.

Aside from their beauty, butterflies are excellent pollinators and the larvae are an important part of the food chain. The larvae may munch away at some of your garden plants as well as their host trees, but consider that a good sign…not a problem.

Insecticides will harm the larvae and butterflies, along with whatever other insects you may target, so refrain from using insecticides in your butterfly garden, (if you feel you must use them at all).

Butterflies usually like flowers with a ‘landing pad’ like coneflowers, asters or the clustered flower heads of milkweed or phlox. In general, the butterflies are not as picky about their food as the caterpillars. Large masses of nectar-producing flowers will attract many different species. Here are some suggestions for native plants you can put in your garden, along the edge of the woods or in an open meadow.