The Butterflies That Visit Native Plants—Plus How to Attract Them

Butterflies are more than just pretty to look at. As pollinators, they’re critical to healthy ecosystems. For me, they are one of the primary reasons to grow native plants in the garden. It’s the best way to ensure a wide variety of species will visit. Each species has its own host plant, nectar source, and habits. Feed them the right plants, give them shelter and overwintering spots, and they’ll return year after year.

In this post, we’re exploring the butterflies most likely to be seen across North America. I’ll include the native plants these species use for their entire life cycle. I’ll also share a couple of my favorite butterfly plants from TN Nursery.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) 

This iconic orange-and-black butterfly is famous for its long-distance migrations. Many people are aware that monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed. In addition to providing for monarchs, consider planting native milkweed such as Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) or Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed).

These nourish caterpillars and provide nectar for adults.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) 

With its large wings and black tiger-striped patterns over bright yellow, this swallowtail is one of the most recognizable butterflies east of the Rockies. Caterpillars feed on trees like wild cherry (Prunus serotina), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and ash (Fraxinus spp.). Adults visit a wide variety of nectar-rich flowers, like bee balm (Monarda didyma), Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum), and ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis).

Ironweed not only attracts nectar-drinking adults, but it also is a native plant with a tall vertical presence.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) 

This butterfly is found all over the world, which is why it’s called “painted lady.” In North America, its caterpillars eat thistle (Cirsium), hollyhock (Alcea), and mallow (Malva spp.). Adults love asters, goldenrod (Solidago spp. ), and blazing star (Liatris spp.). Most of these bloom in fall, so they’re important for fall-migrating butterflies.

Goldenrod is one of the most maligned native plants. It’s not the culprit for fall allergies (ragweed is! )—it’s a nectar superpower. 

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) 

This handsome butterfly is similar to the red spotted purple and has black wings with red bands. Red Admirals prefer nettles, especially Urtica dioica, as their host plant. Nectar is taken from milkweed, asters, and coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea). Adults will also sip nectar from fermenting fruit, so leave some rotting fruit or plant a coneflower patch in sunny spots, and leave a spot or two of your yard a little wilder for nettles.

You can learn more about butterfly host plants through this helpful guide from the University of Illinois Extension.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) 

Black swallowtails like open fields and gardens. Caterpillars prefer the carrot family, including dill, fennel, and parsley, but also eat native golden alexanders (Zizia aurea). Adults will nectar on zinnias, phlox, and milkweed.

If you have herbs in your garden and one day discover large green caterpillars with yellow and black stripes, they’re black swallowtail larvae. Let them be—they’re future pollinators. 

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) 

As the name suggests, this butterfly lays its eggs on spicebush (Lindera benzoin) or sassafras (Sassafras albidum). Adults feed on honeysuckle, phlox, and ironweed. Its larvae mimic bird droppings to deter predators.

Plants like spicebush work double-duty for swallowtails, providing a larval host and nectar for adults.

Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) 

Bold orange-and-black spotted wings make fritillaries hard to miss. Caterpillars rely on native violets (Viola spp.) for food. Adults will visit the same plants as butterflies listed above, including coneflowers, bee balm, and milkweed. Plant violets beneath larger perennials to give fritillary caterpillars the cool, shady habitat they need to survive.

A simple way to help these butterflies is to leave native violets in your lawn or woodland garden.

Tips for Creating a Butterfly-Friendly Garden 

Plant native perennials in succession. In order to have continuous blooms from spring to fall, use phlox, bee balm, goldenrod, and asters.

Don’t use pesticides. Even organic pesticides can harm caterpillars and adults.

Provide shallow water. A mud puddle or shallow dish with rocks gives butterflies a safe place to drink and “puddle.”

Don’t be too tidy. Leaf litter and mulch offer many butterflies a place to overwinter while in the chrysalis stage.

Native Plants Are Critical for Butterflies 

Native plants are essential to creating a butterfly-friendly garden. They’ve been naturally occurring in your region for thousands of years, and co-evolved with native insects during that time. As a result, they are more nutritious and well-suited than non-native ornamentals. By planting native perennials, you are restoring the ecosystem, not just decorating your yard.

If you’re looking for a simple way to get started, check out the Pollinator Paradise Plant Package from TN Nursery, which includes plants carefully selected to attract butterflies and bees.

Final Thoughts 

From suburban yards to rural homesteads, everyone can plant for butterflies. By growing native plants in your garden, you’re doing more than just attracting beauty—you’re providing a lifeline to our struggling pollinators. From monarchs to fritillaries, each butterfly that visits your garden is a testament to your hard work and care. So, plant with purpose, and enjoy the magic that unfolds.