An Arlington County gardener has noticed a decline in the number of butterflies to her property over the last 17 years.
Mary Free, a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, also service in the City of Alexandria, said that a thriving butterfly habitat can be simple.
“Habitat loss is a major factor in the decline of insect and bird populations,” Free said. “Everyone who creates a butterfly habitat adds a steppinh stone to reverse that trend by providing a place where pollinators can safely eat and reproduce, planting trees and shrubs that reduce carbon and using fewer chemicals.”
While it may seem daunting at first, it can be as easy as several potted plants or as expansive as acres of flora.
“The key is to provide the plant food butterflies need as both caterpillars and adults,” Free said.
Location, soil type, light conditions and hardiness zone can help guide plant choices, she said.
Free encourages sticking with native plant species, as they attract native butterflies, provide the quality food they need, adapt to local climates and conditions and promote biodiversity.
Every butterfly is unique, with some species and their caterpillars feeding on a variety of plants while others only need one host plant. There are over 102 butterfly species that have been observed in Virginia, according to butterflyidentification.org.
Some host plants may already be growing in gardens, like parsley, carrots, dill and fennel, which attract Eastern Black swallowtail caterpillars. Some may exist in neighborhoods, like white clover and oak, wild cherry and flowering dogwood trees.
To maximize results
Free recommends finding what native host plants are nearby and planting something different to maximize results.
- Consider incorporating a rock in a sunny spot for butterflies to warm their wings, and a puddling area for male butterflies, as they need soil minerals for reproduction.
- Planting densely is preferred, she said, as butterflies need refuge from wind and rain.
- Don’t buy plants that have been treated with pesticides, as they can be deadly to butterfly larvae
- Avoid using chemicals in and around the garden
- Avoid clearing away dead flowers or foliage on or near host plants as they may harbor butterfly eggs or feeding caterpillars
For a complete list of nectar and host plants for mid-Atlantic butterflies and moths, visit mgnv.org/pollinators-and-more/lepidoptera/
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Crystal Graham
