Creating a butterfly habitat is both fun and relaxing. Especially after the flowers are blooming and the butterflies begin to visit the host plants to lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the host plants will provide nourishment for the caterpillars. Each species of butterfly has specific host plants and will not lay their eggs on any other plant besides those specific host plants. First, determine what species of butterflies are common in your region of the country. Second, determine which plants will thrive in your region of the country and are suitable for the butterflies you desire to attract.  For simplicity, I have chosen the Tiger Swallowtail  (Pterourus glaucus) to serve as an example on how to chose the right plants. 

Male Tiger Swallowtail

Female Tiger Swallowtail

The above swallowtail is dining on the non-native plant buddleja (Butterfly Bush).  This plant is native to central and western China, but is a popular ornamental in the United States. 

Nectar Plants

Spiked Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Blackeyed-susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Host Plants

Pop Ash (fraxinus profunda)

Wild Cherry (prunus serotina)

White Ash (fraxinus americana)

Sweet Bay (magnolia virginiana)

Tulip Tree (liriodendron tulipifera)

Single Swallowtail Egg
 

Caterpillar in its second stage

Last stage before pupation

Caterpillar stops eating and begins to pupate. This is the first stage of pupation.

Last stage of pupation. The pupa hardens into a chrysalis until the butterfly is ready to emerge

Resources

For more information on moths and butterflies in your area visit

Butterflies of North America

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