From the Ground Up: Gardening for butterflies

Milkweed is a well-known way to lure monarchs to our yard.

Other plants, though, attract local butterfly and moth species and support bees.

Research which butterflies are common in the area, and add the plants that they like to your garden. Four common species in our area are skippers, monarchs, swallowtails and whites.

Not sure which butterflies are in your area? Check this website, which details each species of butterfly/moth found in our area and their habitat preferences: www.butterfliesandmoths.org

Butterflies have a lot in common with people. they need food, shelter, water and sun to survive. Carefully selecting the right plants and sites will create a butterfly garden for a variety of butterflies to live and grow.

FOOD

Plant both nectar and host plants to supply food for adult butterflies and support the caterpillars.

Adult butterflies can feed on nectar from a wide variety of plants, but they are very picky about where they lay their eggs.

Likewise, caterpillars can be just as picky about what they eat. Food plants vary from butterfly to butterfly, so it is important to plan your garden.

Just as we have preferences about where we live, so do butterflies and moths.

SHELTER

Properly placed, trees and shrubs will shelter your garden from wind, which makes it easier for butterflies to explore.

Additionally, trees and shrubs give valuable shelter where butterflies can roost at night or hide from predators. Keep in mind that many shrubs and trees are also caterpillar food plants. Although creative and fun, butterflies are not known to use butterfly houses for protection.

Water

Butterflies need water, but not much. Nectar, dew and tree sap provide butterflies with moisture. Or you can place a puddling station - a damp area of ground covered by sand - in an area that is easy to view and sheltered from the wind.

Sun

Sun also is essential because butterflies are coldblooded insects and start their day by warming their bodies in the sun. Include a spot in the garden that will warm in the morning sunlight, such as large rocks, exposed soil, or even pavement. At least part of the garden should get six or more hours of direct sunlight each day.

Source: National Butterfly Association, www.nababutterfly.com

' Becki Lynch is a Linn County Master Gardener.