- Allium
- Aster
- Azalea
- Bee Balm
- Black-eyed Susan
- Butterfly Bush

- Butterflyweed
- Cosmos
- Dahlia
- Coneflower
- Goldenrod
- Helenium
- Hibiscus
- Lantana
- Lavender
- Liatris
- Lilac
- Lobelia
- Phlox
- Redbud
- Salvia
- Sedum
- Sunflower
- Verbena
- Yarrow
- Zinnia

• Butterflies are nearsighted, so it is easier for them to see a lilac bush or a big group of garden phlox than it is to zero in on a single plant. They can also smell much better than they can see, and fragrance is a powerful attractant.
• Butterflies need water and nutrients as well as nectar. A shallow saucer of water placed on the ground makes a perfect place for them to grab a drink. The dissolved minerals in mud puddles are also an attraction. To make an artificial puddle, put some coarse sand on a plate or pie pan and keep the surface moist. Place the puddle in a sunny, sheltered area that can be seen from a distance.
• All that flitting around can be exhausting. A stack of flat stones in a sunny, protected spot will give weary fliers a warm place to rest.
• Butterflies start life as caterpillars, so it’s important to make them feel welcome, too. Plants we consider weeds are often important food sources for butterfly larvae. Designating an out-of-the-way area for weeds is an easy way to create caterpillar habitat. Some other host plants for larvae include violets, hollyhock, parsley, dill, milkweed, vetch, and thistle.
Creating a butterfly-friendly garden is a fun project and an important way to help support the survival of these beautiful winged creatures.
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