A butterfly garden that works well is more than just a collection of nectar flowers. Butterflies have two distinct requirements: nectar plants for adult feeding, and host plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed. A garden with only nectar plants attracts passing visitors; a garden with both creates genuine habitat.
1. Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa — Showy Milkweed)
Value: Host plant + nectar | Bloom: June–August
Milkweed is non-negotiable if Monarch butterflies are part of your goal — it's the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. Showy Milkweed is the Pacific Northwest native species, producing large pink globe-shaped flower clusters also visited by bumble bees and many other butterfly species. Plant in full sun with good drainage.
2. Native Violets (Viola adunca — Early Blue Violet)
Value: Host plant | Bloom: March–June
Native violets are the host plant for several fritillary butterflies, including the Great Spangled Fritillary and the Oregon Silverspot. Early Blue Violet is small and unassuming but spreads gently to form ground cover in partly shaded spots.
3. Western Tiger Swallowtail Host Plants (Willow, Alder, Cottonwood)
Value: Host plants
The spectacular Western Tiger Swallowtail lays its eggs on native willows, red alder, and black cottonwood. Even a shrubby Scouler's Willow in a moist corner provides significant habitat value.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Value: Nectar | Bloom: July–September
One of the most reliable mid-summer nectar sources for Painted Ladies, Skippers, and fritillaries. Long bloom period, low maintenance, drought tolerant once established. Leave seed heads through winter for goldfinches.
5. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Value: Nectar | Bloom: August–September
Few plants attract as many butterfly species simultaneously. A late-summer magnet for Monarchs, Swallowtails, fritillaries, and Skippers — blooms at exactly the right time for fuelling southward migration. Grows 4–7 feet tall; position at the back of a border.
6. Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus — Large-leaved Lupine)
Value: Host plant + nectar | Bloom: May–July
Native lupines are the host plant for several Pacific Northwest blue butterfly species. The tall spikes of purple-blue flowers are also excellent nectar sources for bumble bees and hummingbirds. Fixes nitrogen in the soil.
7. Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum — Douglas Aster)
Value: Nectar | Bloom: August–October
Among the most important late-season nectar sources for migrating Monarchs. Produces masses of violet-blue daisy-like flowers long after most garden plants have finished. Paired with goldenrod, it creates a powerful late-season nectar corridor.
8. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Value: Host plant | Bloom: July–August
Fennel is the primary host plant for Anise Swallowtail caterpillars. The adult Anise Swallowtail is one of the most beautiful butterflies in the region. Bronze fennel is a particularly attractive ornamental variety.
9. Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Value: Nectar | Bloom: August–October
One of the most important fuelling stops for migrating Monarchs on the West Coast. Plant where it has room to spread. In a wild corner of the garden, a colony of goldenrod is a wildlife asset of the first order.
10. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Value: Nectar | Bloom: June–Frost
One of the single most attractive butterfly nectar plants available. Irresistible to Painted Ladies, Skippers, Swallowtails, and virtually every other butterfly species. Blooms continuously from early summer until first frost. Note: berries are toxic to pets and children; don't let it go to seed.
Building a complete butterfly garden
| Season | Plants |
|---|---|
| Early spring | Native violets, lupine |
| Late spring | Oregon Grape (nectar), willow or alder (host) |
| Summer | Milkweed, coneflower, fennel (host), lavender |
| Late summer/fall | Joe Pye Weed, asters, goldenrod, lantana |
Add a shallow water source — butterflies "puddle" on moist soil to extract minerals — and you'll have everything the most common Pacific Northwest species need.
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