| Did you know that more than 700 species (kinds) of butterflies
can be found in North America? How would you like to invite them into
your backyard? |
Brightly colored butterflies are a welcome addition to almost any
backyard or garden. And inviting them over isn't hard - so long as
you provide the plants they need! |
|
Adult butterflies feed on the nectar found in many types of flowers.
They especially like:
red, yellow, orange, pink or purple blossoms
flat-topped or clustered flowers
short flower tubes (this makes it easier for the butterflies to reach
in and take a "drink")
What's for Dinner?
There are many nectar plants that will look great in your backyard and
provide a delicious meal for butterflies - and their caterpillars.
Here are some wildflowers commonly found in butterfly gardens. Click for more facts about each:
Butterfly Weed
Beebalm
Black-eyed Susan
Cardinal Flower
Joe-pye-weed
Milkweed
Purple Coneflower
Sunflower
| Your family can check local home centers, nurseries and garden supply
stores for these and many more butterfly-friendly flowers! |
Did You Know?
| Your best bet is to provide butterflies with plants that are native
to your area. |
|
Native plants are the plants that naturally occur in your area
- many flowers, bushes and trees used to landscape homes are not.
It's a win-win. The native plants offer sweet nectar to feed the butterflies,
and the butterflies pollinate the plants in return!
How to Get Started:
Whether your backyard is a big lot or an apartment balcony, planting
a butterfly garden can be a fun activity for your whole family!
With your parents, check out NWF's Backyard Wildlife Habitat web site
for tips
on selecting, planting, and growing the flowers that can attract
butterflies to your garden.
Happy gardening, and good luck!
Illustrations by Michael Slack
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