A GARDEN

FOR
BUTTERFLIES

Presented by

TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS

The reintroduction of natural landscape elements into urban and suburban neighborhoods that are
otherwise dominated by introduced species may be the greatest contribution to ecosystem
conservation that we can make. Planting local native plant species in a rich, wellplanned butterfly
garden reduces the isolation of native plants in reserves and parks, provides essential corridors
betweenremainingpatchesofhabitat,andaidsinrepairingthepatchworkofecosystemsthatsurvive.
Plant a tree is a popular exhortation to those who are concerned about our environment, but
significantlymoretangiblevaluecanbehadfromplantingagarden,asmallforest,oradiversenative
plant community to support an assemblage of native butterflies. Such local conservation efforts
providenotonlymuchneededhavensforthecreaturesthemselves,buttheyalsoofferapromisethat
future generations will have the opportunity to experience the delight of watching a butterfly flutter
aboutonafreshspringmorning.

DennisD.Murphy,DirectoroftheCenterforConservationBiologyatStanfordUniversity

Butterflies will come to our gardens and flourish if they find nectar and food plants there. Their
presencewillremindusoftheessentialbondwehavewiththenaturalworld.Ourhopeisthatscores
of butterfly gardens will emerge in every city, suburb, and townthat gardeners will becomedirectly
engagedinthelifecycleofbutterfliesandtheninthebiologicalsystemsoftheirgardens.Bydoingso,
butterfly gardeners will find themselves guardians and curators of Lepidopteraand, ultimately,
stewardsofnature.

MelodyMackeyAllen,ExecutiveDirectoroftheXercesSociety

ThemissionofTexasDiscoveryGardensistoteacheffectivewaystorestore,conserveandpreserve
natureintheurbanenvironment,withafocusongardeningorganicallyandsustainably.TDGisa
nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, supported in part by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation
Department.
 ButterflyGardening!
HowtoattractAureliandelightstoyourbackyard

Whygardenforbutterflies?
Butterfliesinvokepleasureinmostpeople.Theirbrightcolorsandseeminglycarefree
livesinstillasenseofwonderandserenity.
Butterfliesareecologicallyimportanttotheenvironment.Theypollinatetheplants
theyvisitfornectarandarethepreyofotherspecies.
Butterfliesareexcellentenvironmentalindicatorsandareamongthefirstspeciesto
leaveanareathatisdamagedordegraded.Conservationisthereforeagoodreasonfor
gardeningfortheseinsects.

Whatisabutterfly?
Butterfliesareinsectsandtogetherwithskippersandmothsmakeuptheorder
Lepidoptera,whichmeansscalywinged.Allmembersofthisgrouphavethischaracter.

Howdotheydifferfrommoths?
Butterfliesdifferfrommothsinthreemajorways,althoughthereareexceptionstothe
rules.
Butterflyantennaeareclubbedorswollenattheend,mostmothshavesimplehairlike,
featherlike,orcomblikeantennae.
Butterflieshaveslender,smoothlookingbodieswhereasmostmothshavethickfurry
bodies.
Butterfliesrestwiththewingsfoldedupright,mostmothswiththewingsfoldedover
thebodytentlikeorflat.

Gardeningbasics
Toattractbutterfliestoyourgardenyouneedtoprovidebothadultandlarvalplants.
Nectarplantsprovidetheadultswithnourishmentandarewhatmostpeopleplant
whentheywantbutterflies.Flowersthatattractbutterfliesoftenhaveheadsofblooms
andasturdylandingplatform.Mostareinshadesofyellow,white,lavender,andpink.
Hostplantsarethosethatareusedinlarval(caterpillar)development.Butterfliesare
territorialandusuallyselecttheirterritorybasedonhostplantavailability.
Researchwhatspeciesareinyourarea.Texasishometoabout450speciesof
butterfliesandduetoitsgreatrangeofenvironments,theylivefromtheeasternforests
tothewesterndeserts.Notallspecieslivethroughoutthestatethoughsogardenfor
whatislikelytobeinyourarea.
Selectthebestlocationforyourgarden.Butterfliesaresunlovingcreaturesandprefer
thebrightestareasoutofthewayofstrongwinds.

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
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 SelectforgreatestimpactInadditiontonectarandhostplants,butterfliesrequire
shelterintheformofhidingplacessuchasbushesandclumpsofgrasses.Rocksare
appreciatedasbaskingareassincetheymustwarmthemselvesupbeforeflight.
Malebutterfliesvisittheedgesofpuddles,streamsandpondsforthewaterand
nutrientsvitalforsexualmaturity.Includeawaterfeaturesuchasamuddyedgedpond
orbirdbath.
Selecttherightplants.Thesecanbefoundbyreadinguponeachspeciesyouaretrying
toattract.
Maintenanceofthegarden.Expectyourhostplantstoshowdamage.Afterall,the
caterpillarswillbeeatingthem!

TexasButterflies
EasternBlackSwallowtailPapiliopolyxenesumbelliferousplantssuchasdill,
fennel,parsley,carrot,waterhemlock,etc.
EasternTigerSwallowtailPterourusglaucuswildcherry,sweetbay,yellowpoplar
GiantSwallowtailHeraclidescresphontescitrus,rue,hopash,pricklyash
PipevineSwallowtailBattusphilenorpipevines
AlfalfaButterflyColiaseurythemealfalfa,whiteclover
CloudlessSulphurPhoebissennaesenna,candelabratree,cassia
SleepyOrangeAbaeisnicippepartridgepea,cassia,senna
LittleSulphurPyristialisapartridgepea,cassia,senna
DaintyYellowNathalisioleSpanishneedles,beggarstick,wildmarigold
ImportedCabbageButterflyArtogeiarapaecruciferousplantssuchascabbage,
broccoli,turnips,mustardgreens,watercress,etc.
CheckeredWhitePontiaprotodicecruciferousplantssuchasthoselistedabove
plusshepherdspurse,tansymustard,peppergrass
FalcateOrangetipFalcapicamideawilsspciesofcruciferssuchasrockcress,
peppergrass,bittercress,rocketmustard,sicklepod
GreatPurpleHairstreakAtlideshalesusmistletoes
WhiteMHairstreakParrhasiusmalbumoaks,especiallyinthewhiteoak(Q.
alba)andliveoakgroups
OliveHairstreakCallophrys(Mitoura)gryneusjunipers
HenrysElfinCallophrys(Incisalia)henriciredbud
GrayHairstreakStrymonmelinusmalvaceousplantssuchasSida,Turkscap,
globemallows,etc.andlegumessuchasscaletrunnerbean,Limabean,etc.
SoapberryHairstreakPhaeostrymonAlcestisWesternsoapberry
SouthernHairstreakFixeniafavoniusoaks
BandedHairstreakSatyriumcalanusoaks,walnut,hickory
RedbandedHairstreakCalycopiscecropsdecayingleavesofmanyshrubsand
trees

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
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 DuskyblueHairstreakCalycopisisobeondecayingleavesofmanyshrubsand
trees
EasterntailedBlueCupidocomyntasmanyleguminousherbssuchasbush
clovers,clovers,alfalfa,beggarslice,etc.
SpringAzureCelastrinaspp.dogwood,NewJerseytea,Viburnum
SnoutButterflyLibytheanacarinetahackberry,sugarberry
VariegatedFritillaryEuptoietaclaudiaviolets,passionflower,Maypop,blueflax
GulfFritillaryAgraulisvanillaepassionflower,Maypop
GorgoneCheckerspotChlosynegorgonesunflowers,crossword,other
composites
SilveryCheckerspotChlosynenycteiswingstem,sunflowers,asters,blackeyed
Susan,crownbeard
PearlCrescentPhyciodestharosasters
PhaonCrescentPhyciodesphaonfogfruit
TexasCrescentAnthanassatexanaacanthaceousplantssuchasshrimpplant,
Ruellia,flameacanthus,tubetongue,Dicliptera,waterwillow
MourningCloakNymphalisantiopaelm,hackberry,sugarberry,willow
QuestionmarkPolygoniainterrogationiselm,hackberry,sugarberry
Comma,HopMerchantPolygoniacommahops,nettle,falsenettle,elm
PaintedLadyVanessacarduithistles,cardoon,sunflower
AmericanPaintedLadyVanessavirginiensiscudweeds,everlastings
RedAdmiralVanessaatalantanettle,falsenettle,pellitory
Buckeyesnapdragon,snapdragonvine,toadflax,falsefoxglove,ruellia,fogfruit,
lemonverbena,plantain
RedspottedPurpleLimenitisarthemisastyanaxwildcherry,apple,plum
CaliforniaSisterAdelphabredowiioaks,especiallyevergreenspecies
HackberryButterflyAsterocampaceltishackberry,sugarberry
TawnyEmperorAsterocampaclytonhackberry,sugarberry
MonarchDanausplexippusmilkweeds
QueenDanausgilippusmilkweeds
GoatweedLeafwingAnaeaandriagoatweed,croton
LittleWoodSatyrMegistocymelavariousgrasses
RedSatyrMegistorubricataBermudagrass,St.Augustinegrass
CarolinaSatyrHermeuptychiasosybiuscarpetgrass,centipedegrass,prob.other
grasses
CommonWoodNymphCercyonispegalapurpletopandotherlargegrasses
GemmedSatyrCylopsisgemmaBermudagrass

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
214-428-7476 www.texasdiscoverygardens.org

BUTTERFLYHABITATDESIGN

Identifybutterfliesnativetoyourarea.

Assesstheyardorgardenspaceinitspresentstate,notingtrees,shrubs,&herbaceous
floweringplantsthatareafoodsourceforbutterflies&caterpillars.

Selectavarietyofplantsthatwillattractbutterfliestoyourgarden.Includeaselectionof
larvalfood&adultnectarplants.

Locatethegardeninfullsun,oranareathatreceivesatleast4hoursofsunlight.

Provideawindbreakorscreenoftrees,shrubsorafencetoblockexcessivewind.

Planforcontinuousbloomthroughthebutterflyseason(FebruarythruNovember).

Usegroupsofplantstodisplaysplashesofcolortoattractmorebutterflies.

Plantsingleflowervarieties,whichareeasierforbutterfliestonectarupon.

Toencouragebutterflyvisitation,includeawatersourceforpuddlingorrottedfruitforthe
sapfeedingbutterflies.

Gardenorganicallytoattractbutterfliesandotherbeneficialinsects.

Recordyourbutterflyvisitors,takingnoteoftheplantsthatappeartobetheirfavorite
nectarsources.

Forfurtherinformation:
ButterflyGardenPrograms&ButterflyHabitatCertification
JohnWatts,EntomologistJWatts@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
RogerSanderson,DirectorofHorticultureRSanderson@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
Program&VolunteerOpportunities
JenniferHoffmanJHoffman@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
ChildrensProgramming
ErinShieldsEdu@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
TheDallasCountyLepidopteristsSociety
DaleClarkwww.dallasbutterlies.com

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
214-428-7476 www.texasdiscoverygardens.org
NativeandAdaptedPlantsforaDiverseButterflyGarden
Buy/groworganicplants,protectyourgardenfromstrongwinds,andchooseasunnyspottoattractnative
butterflies.Trytokeepfromcleaninguptoomuchplantmaterialinthefall;manyspeciesoverwinterinleaf
litteroronplantsinchrysalisform.

TopNativeandAdaptedButterflyHostPlants
Caterpillarhostplants,alsoreferredtoaslarvalfoodplants,aretheplantspeciesonwhichafemalebutterfly
willlayeggs.Thecaterpillarswillthenfeeduponthisplantuntiltheypupate
(formachrysalis).Plantatleast35ofeachplantinordertoaccommodatehungrycaterpillars!Note:thesehost
plantsalsomakegreatnectarplantsforbutterfliesand/orotherpollinators.
1.HopAsh,Pteleatrifoliata
Butterfly:GiantSwallowtail
2.Passionvine,Passifloraincarnata,P.lutea
Butterfly:GulfFritillary
3.Fennel,Foeniculumvulgare,Dill,Anethumgraveolens
Butterfly:EasternBlackSwallowtail
4.Rue,Rutagraveolens
Butterfly:EasternBlackSwallowtail,GiantSwallowtail
5.Milkweed,Asclepiassp.
Butterfly:Monarch,Queen
6.Hackberry,Celtissp.
Butterflies:Hackberry,Snout,andTawnyEmperorbutterflies
7.Pipevine,Aristolochiasp.
Butterflies:PipevineSwallowtail
8.Frogfruit,Phylanodiflora
Butterflies:Buckeye,PhaonCrescentspot
9.Sennas,Sennasp.
Butterflies:GiantCloudlessSulphur,OrangeSulphur,LittleYellow,SleepyOrange
10.Falsenettle,Boehmeriacylindrica
Butterflies:RedAdmiral,QuestionMark,EasternComma
11.FalseIndigo,Amorphafruticosa
Butterfly:Dogfacebutterfly,SilverspottedSkipper,GrayHairstreak
12.Clammyweed,Polanasiadodecandra
Butterfly:GreatSouthernWhite,CheckeredWhite

TopNativeandAdaptedButterflyNectarPlants
ButterflyNectarplantsprovidenourishmentformostbutterflyspeciesinthenectar,and
sometimespollen,containedintheflowers.
1.Lantana,Lantanasp.
2.Verbena,Verbenasp.
3.GreggsMistFlower,Eupatoriumgreggii
4.Frostweed,Verbesinavirginica
5.Pentas,Pentaslanceolata
6.AutumnSage,Salviagreggii
7.Buttonbush,Cephalanthusoccidentalis
8.HummingbirdBush,Anisacanthusquadrifidus
9.CoralHoneysuckle,Lonicerasempervirens
10.BlackfootDaisy,Melampodiumleucanthum
11.Zinnia,Zinniasp.(Donotbuydoublepetalvarieties.Pollinatorscantaccessthenectar.)
12.MexicanSunflower,Tithoniarotundifolia
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 BUTTERFLYNECTARPLANTS

SEASONOFBLOOM

SPRING
ANNUALS
Delphiniumsp. Larkspur
Petuniaxhybrida Petunia
Violasp. JohnnyJumpUps
Zinniaspp. Zinnia
PERENNIALS
Achilleasp. Yarrow
Alliumsp. Chives,Onions
Camassiascilloides WildHyacinth
Centranthusruber RedValerian
Daleawrightii WrightDalea
Dianthussp. GardenPinks,Carnations
Engelmanniapinnatifida EngelmannDaisy
Gaillardiasp. Blanketflower
Iberissempervirens Candytuft
Marshalliacaespitosa BarbarasButtons
Phloxdivaricata WildSweetWilliam
Phloxstolonifera CreepingPhlox
Phloxsublata Thrift
Phylanodiflora Frogfruit
Salviasp. Salvia
Scabiosacolumbaria Scabiosa
Sisyrinchiumspp. BlueeyedGrass
Verbenaspp. Verbena
Violasp. Pansies,Violets
SHRUBS
Berberistrifoliolata Agarita
Buddleiamarrubiifolia WoollyButterflybush
Ceanothussp. Ceanothus,Redroot
Cornusdrummondii RoughleafDogwood
Iteavirginica VirginiaSweetspire
Philadelphusspp. Mockorange
Prunusrivularis CreekPlum
Spiraeasp. BridalWreath
Viburnumrufidulum RustyBlackhawViburnum
TREES
Amelanchierlaevis Serviceberry
TexasDiscoveryGardens3601MartinLutherKingJr.Boulevard
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Arbutustexana Madrone
Crataegussp. Hawthorn
Ilexdecidua Possumhaw
Ilexvomitoria Yaupon
Malusioenensis PrairieCrabapple
Prunuscaroliniana CherryLaurel
Prunusmexicana MexicanPlum
Prunusserotinavar.eximia ChokeCherry
VINES
Gelsemiumsempervirens Carolinajessamine
Lonicerasempervirens CoralHoneysuckle

SUMMER
ANNUALS
Centauriumsp. BachelorButtons
Cosmossp. Cosmos
Cupheasp. Cuphea
Gomphrenaglobosa GlobeAmaranth
Helianthussp. Sunflowers
Heliotropiumindica Heliotrope
Melampodiumleucanthum BlackfootDaisy
Monardasp. BeeBalm
Pentaslanceolata Pentas
Tageteshybrids Marigold
Tithoniarotundifolia MexicanSunflower
Verbesinaenceloides CowpenDaisy
Zinniahybrids Zinnia
PERENNIALS
Anisacanthussp. Anisacanthus
Asclepiassp. ButterflyWeed
Caesalpiniagilliesii BirdofParadise
Coreopsissp. Coreopsis,Tickseed
Echinaceapurpurea Coneflower
Eupatoriumfistulosum JoePyeweed
Eupatoriumgreggii GreggsMistThoroughwort
Lantanasp. Lantana
Liatrissp. Gayfeather
Lobeliasp. CardinalFlower
Phloxpaniculata SummerPhlox
Rudbeckiasp. BlackeyeSusan
Salviasp. Salvia
Verbenasp. Verbena
Vernoniasp. Ironweed
SHRUBS
Abeliagrandiflora GlossyAbelia

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
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Aloysiagratissima Beebrush
Amorphafruticosa FalseIndigo
Buddleiasp. ButterflyBush
Cephalanthusoccidentalis Buttonbush
Eysenhardtiasp. Kidneywood
Leucophyllumfrutescens Cenizo,TexasSage
Malvaviscusarboreus TurksCap,DrummondWaxmallow
Pavonialasiopetala RosePavonia
TREES
Acaciasp. Acacia
Albiziajulibrissin Mimosa
Leucaenaretusa GoldenBallLeadtree
Prosopisglandulosa HoneyMesquite
VINES
Polygonumaubertii SilverLaceVine
Senecioconfusus MexicanFlameVine

FALL

ANNUALS
Heliopsishealianthoides FalseSunflower
PERENNIALS
Astersp. FallAster
Chrysanthemumsp. Chrysanthemums
Eupatoriumcoelestinum HardyAgeratum
Physostegiavirginiana ObedientPlant
Salvialeucantha MexicanBushSage
Salviasp. Salvia
Sedumspectabile ShowySedum
Solidagosphacelata Goldenrod
Verbesinavirginiana Frostweed
Zephyranthesrobusta PinkRainLily
Zephyranthessulphurea YellowRainLily
SHRUBS
Buddleialindleyana ButterflyBush
Eupatoriumhavanense Thoroughwort
Eupatoriumodoratum FragrantEupatorium
VINES
Clematispaniculata SweetAutumnClematis
Passiflorasp. Passionvine

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
214-428-7476 www.TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
Manysummerbloomingannualsandperennialswillremaininfloweruntilthefirst
hardfrost,includingthefollowing:
Asclepiassp. ButterflyWeed
Buddleiasp. ButterflyBush
Cosmossp. Cosmos
Cupheasp. Cuphea
Echinaceapurpurea Coneflower
Eupatoriumfistulosum JoePyeweed
Gomphrenaglobosa GlobeAmaranth
Helianthussp. Sunflowers
Lantanasp. Lantana
Liatrissp. Gayfeather
Malvaviscusarboreus TurksCap,DrummondWaxmallow
Melampodiumleucanthum BlackfootDaisy
Pavonialasiopetala RosePavonia
Pentaslanceolata Pentas
Polygonumaubertii SilverLaceVine
Tageteshydrids Marigold
Verbenasp. Verbena
Zinniahybrids Zinnia

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
214-428-7476 www.TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
 The Milkweed Community
Careful observation of the milkweed community and the interactions of its diverse members provide a fascinating glimpse
into the complex interdependence of living organisms. There are about 110 species of milkweed in North America and 36
species native to Texas. At Texas Discovery Gardens, Asclepias curassavica, or Mexican milkweed is planted throughout
the gardens and is available for sale most of the year.
Many insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of milkweed flowers. Other insects may feed on milkweed leaves,
seeds, stems or roots. Predatory insects and arachnids are attracted to the plentiful prey population. Many more species
may be found resting temporarily on the plants. You must look carefully on top and under flowers and leaves.
Stay on the path, and walk quietly up to a plant. Insects scared off may return if you remain still. Scan the leaves,
flowers, seedpods, and stems for unusual shapes, color, or activity. Watch for signs like chewed leaves and frass
(caterpillar droppings). Once you have found a milkweed community member, watch for it again. Note the effects of time,
season, temperature, and weather condition, as well as age and condition of the milkweed plant, have on the activity seen.
Milkweeds are perennial plants, meaning an individual plant lives for more than one year, growing each spring from
rootstock and seeds, rather than seeds alone. Our native milkweeds were historically common and widespread on prairies,
but habitat destruction has reduced their range and numbers. Plant milkweed to encourage the return of its inhabitants!

The name milkweed comes from the plants milky sap that
contains latex and a toxic alkaloid which adversely affects
birds and mammals. Many insects avoid milkweed, but some
insects, most famously the Monarch butterfly caterpillar,
have adapted to feeding on milkweed. Tropical milkweed
sap is more toxic than our local milkweed species. Avoid
contact between yourself and the plant sap.
Unlike many flowers whose pollen is a powder, milkweed
flowers transfer their pollen in a pair of waxy packets. This
packet attaches to the legs, proboscis or bristly hairs of
insects sipping nectar from the flowers.
Flying above the milkweed are bees and wasps. Bumblebees,
carpenter bees, honeybees and wasps drink nectar, but
several kinds of wasps catch caterpillars for their young. The
black-and-orange queen or monarch butterflies feed and lay
eggs, but other butterflies will drink milkweeds nectar. Look
for a metallic insect- a predatory long-legged fly.
Dragonflies search for insects, too. Nursery web spiders hunt
from leaves or stems, and crab spiders crouch on flowers.
On the new growth are yellow aphids, food for several
species of ladybird beetles. Ants and other insects eat the
aphids honeydew. Plant bugs with long antennae crawl
slowly on the leaves. Bigger assassin bugs look for prey.
The black bug with the red X on back is the small milkweed
bug. The large milkweed bug is mostly red with a black
band. The five-sided stinkbugs can be predatory or plant-sucking. The praying mantis will catch and eat all insects!
Monarchs lay cream-colored eggs on the underside of leaves. Caterpillars feed there also. Caterpillars are identified in
one of five instars, or sizes, from 2mm to 45mm. Also, look for arc-shaped holes, or irregular leaf edges where caterpillars
have been feeding. Disturbed caterpillars may drop off the leaf for protection. You may see a large caterpillar wandering
along the ground- they pupate on plants in other locations, and it is searching for a protected site to prepare its chrysalis.
This page contains excerpts from Milkweed, Monarchs and More, by Ba Rea, Karen Oberhauser, and Michael Quinn
Texas Discovery Gardens, POB 152537, Dallas, TX 75315 214-428-7476 www.texasdiscoverygardens.org
 Host and Nectar Plants for Butterflies
Latin Name Common Name Type Height Light Origin Bloom Nectar Host Plant for
Abelia grandiflora Glossy Abelia shrub 8' sun/pt shade non-native Jun-Oct Yes
Acacia wrightii Wright Acacia tree 6'-10' sun/pt shade native Apr-May Yes Silver-Spotted Skipper
Allium spp. Chives perennial 8"+ sun/pt shade non-native May-Jun Yes
Althaea zebrina French Hollyhock perennial 3' sun/pt shade non-native Spr-Fall Painted Lady
Gray Hairstreak, Silver-Spotted Skipper,
Amorpha fruticosa False Indigo shrub 2'-15' sun/pt shade native Apr-June Hoary Edge, Cloudy Wing, Dogface
Anisacanthus quadrifidus Flame Acanthus perennial 2'-4' sun/pt shade native June-Fall Yes Janais Patch, Texas Crescentspot
Anethum graveolens Dill annual 18" sun/pt shade non-native May-July Yes Black Swallowtail
Aristolochia fimbriata Pipevine vine 3'-6' sun/pt shade non-native Jun-Sep Pipevine Swallowtail
Aristolochia tomentosa Woolly Pipevine vine to 50' sun/pt shade native Mar-May Pipevine Swallowtail
Asclepias asperula Antelope-Horns perennial 8"-2' sun native Mar-Nov Yes Monarch,Queen
Ascelepias curassavica Mexican Milkweed annual 3' sun native May-Oct Yes Monarch, Queen
Aslepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed perennial 5' sun non-native May-Jun Yes Monarch, Queen
Asclepias viridis Green Milkweed perennial 2' sun/pt shade native Mar-Sep Yes Monarch, Queen
Berberis trifoliata Agarito shrub 3'-6' sun/pt shade native Mar-Apr Yes
Buddleia davidii Butterfly Bush shrub 3'-12' sun/pt shade non-native May-Frost Yes
Caesalpinia gillesii Bird of Paradise shrub 8'-10' sun native Spr-Fall Yes
Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush shrub 3'-15' sun native Jun-Sep Yes
Cercis canadensis Redbud tree 10'-20' sun/pt shade native March Yes Henry's Elfin
Celia's Roadside Skipper, Common
Chasmanthium latifolium Inland Sea Oats perennial 2'-4' shade/pt shade native Summer Roadside Skipper
Clerodendrum bungei Cashmere Bouquet perennial 5'x4' pt/shade-shade non-native May,Oct Yes
Coreopsis sp. Tickseed perennial 1'-2' sun/pt shade native/hybrids Apr-June Yes
Dalea greggii Dalea perennial 4"-9" sun native May-Sep Yes Dog Face
Dalea frutescens Black Dalea perennial 3'-4' sun native June-Oct Yes Dog Face
Dicliptera bracheata Perennial Dicliptera perennial 14"-28" pt/shade-shade native July-Frost Texas Crescentspot
Dicliptera suberecta Velvet Honeysuckle perennial 2'-3- sun native June-Sep Yes
Diospyros texana Texas Persimmon tree 10'-15' sun/pt shade native Early Spring Gray Hairstreak
Coneflower perennial 2' sun/pt shade native Apr-May Yes
Eupatorium greggii Gregg's Mist Flower perennial 8" sun/pt shade native May-Oct Yes
Fallugia paradoxa Apache Plume shrub 6' sun/pt shade native May-Dec Yes
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel biennial/pere 2'-5' sun/pt shade non-native May-June Yes Black Swallowtail
Gaillardia grandiflora Blanket Flower per/annual 1' sun/pt shade native Apr-May Yes
Gomphrena globosa Globe Amaranthus annual 18" sun non-native Spr-Frost Yes
Ipomopsis rubra Standing Cypress biennia 5' sun native Apr-May Yes
Lantana spp. Lantana per/annual 3'-5' sun native May-Oct Yes Gray Hairstreak, Painted Lady
Lonicera sempervirens Coral Honeysuckle vine 10'plus sun/pt shade native Spr-Fall Yes Spring Azure
Copyright T.Dombrowski, Texas Discovery Gardens, 2005
 Host and Nectar Plants for Butterflies
Latin Name Common Name Type Height Light Origin Bloom Nectar Host Plant for
Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife perennial 3' sun/pt shade native June-Aug Yes
Dogface, Orange Sulfur, Gray Hairstreak,
Medicago sativa Alfalfa perennial 3' sun/pt shade non-native April Painted Lady
Melampodium leucanthemum Blackfoot Daisy perennial 8"-1' sun native May-Nov Yes
Monarda didyma Beebalm perennial 3'x3' sun non-native Jun-Jul Yes
Passiflora caerulea Blue Crown vine 10'plus sun/pt shade non-native Jun-Sep Gulf Fritillary, Variegated Fritillary
Passiflora incarnata Maypop vine 10'plus sun/pt shade native Jun-Sep Gulf Fritillary, Variegated Fritillary
Passiflora x 'Incense' Passionvine vine 12' sun/pt shade hybrid May-Sep Gulf Fritillary, Variegated Fritillary
Pentas lanceolata Pentas annual 18" sun non-native Sp-Fall Yes Tersa Sphinx Moth
Petroselinum crispum Parsley biennial 1'-3' sun/pt shade non-native Spr-Fall Yes Black Swallowtail
Philadelphus ernestii TX Mock Orange shrub 3' sun/pt shade native April Yes
Phlox paniculata Phlox perennial 3' sun native June-Aug Yes
Phyla nodiflora Frogfruit perennial 3"x1' sun/shade native Spr-Fall Yes Buckeye, Phaon Crescent
Physostegia virginiana Obedient Plant perennial 3'-4' sun/pt shade native Aug-Sep Yes

Polanisia dodecandra Clammyweed annual 2' sun native Mar-Oct Yes Cabbage White, Great Southern White
Longtail Skipper, Reakirt's Blue,
Prosopis juliflora Mesquite tree 20'-30' sun native Mar-Sept Yes Ceraunus Blue
Prunus rivularis Creek Plum tree 12' sun/pt shade native Mar-Apr Yes Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple
Prunus serotina Black Cherry tree 60' sun native Mar-Apr Yes Spring Azure, Viceroy, Tiger Swallowtail
Ptelea trifoliata Hop Ash tree 24' sun/pt shade native Mar-June Giant Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail
Rhus aromatica Fragrant Sumac shrub 3'-8' sun/pt shade native Feb-Mar Red-banded Hairstreak
Rudbeckia spp. Black-eyed Susan perennial 2'-12' sun native/non-na Jun-Sep Yes Silvery Checkerspot
Ruellia brittoniana Mexican Petunia perennial 3' sun/pt shade native June-Oct Yes Texas Crescentspot
Ruta graveolens Rue perennial 3'x2' sun/pt shade non-native Sep-Oct Giant Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail
Salvia greggii Autumn Sage perennial 2'-3' sun native Apr-Nov Yes
Sedum spectabile Sedum perennial 1'-2' sun non-native July-Nov Yes Gray Hairstreak
Senna alata Emperor's Candlestick annual 10' sun non-native Aug-Oct Cloudless Sulfur,, GraygHairstreak p ,
Senna corymbosa Argentine Senna perennial 10' sun/pt shade non-native Sep-Nov Sleepy Orange
Thymus spp. Thyme perennial 2"-4" sun/pt shade non-native Mar-May Yes
Tithonia rotundifolia Mexican Sunflower annual 3' sun non-native June-Oct Yes
Ungnadia speciosa Mexican Buckeye tree 8'-12' sun/pt shade native Mar-Apr Yes
Verbena spp. Verbena perennial 6"-1' sun both May-Nov Yes
Verbesina virginica Frostweed perennial 3'-7' sun native Oct-Nov Yes
Viola spp. Violet perennial 6"-12" sun/pt shade both April Variegated Fritillary
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis Hercule's Club tree 15' sun native Apr-May Giant Swallowtail
Zinnia spp. Zinnia annual 8"-12" sun non-native May-Oct Yes
Copyright T.Dombrowski, Texas Discovery Gardens, 2005
 RetailSourcesforButterflyPlants

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Redentas
2001SkillmanSt. PlantDelightsNurseryInc.
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www.plantdelights.com
Rohde'sNursery&NatureStore
1651WallSt., Thompson&Morgan
GarlandTexas P.O.Box1308
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ShadesofGreen
8801CoitRoad,
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WestonGardens
8101AnglinDrive
FortWorth,Texas76410
8175720549

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
214-428-7476 www.texasdiscoverygardens.org
 Bibliography

Butterfly Gardening

Ajilvsgi, Geyata. 1990. Butterfly Gardening for the South. Texas: Taylor Publishing Company.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 1995. Butterfly Gardens, Luring Natures Loveliest Pollinators to Your Yard. BBG
Publication, Handbook #143. ISBN 0-945352-88-3

Grissell, Eric, & Goodpasture, Carll. 2001. Insects and Gardens: In Pursuit of a Garden Ecology. Timber Press, ISBN
0881925047

Rothschild, M., & C. Farrell. 1983. The Butterfly Gardener. London: Michael Joseph Ltd/Rainbow.

Schneck, Marcus. 1994. Creating a Butterfly Garden. Fireside, ISBN: 0671892460

Sedenko, Jerry. 1991. The Butterfly Garden: Creating Beautiful Gardens to Attract Butterflies. New York: Villard
Books.

Tekulsky, Mathew. 1985. The Butterfly Garden. Boston: The Harvard Common Press. ISBN: 0916782697

Warren, E. J. M. 1988. The Country Diary Book of Creating a Butterfly Garden. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Xerces Society 1998. Butterfly Gardening: Creating Summer Magic in Your Garden. Sierra Club Books, ISBN:
0871569752

Butterfly Identification Guides

Brock, Jim & Kaufman, Kenn. 2003. Butterflies of North America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0-618-25400-5

Carter, David J. 1992. The Eyewitness Handbook of Butterflies and Moths. London: Dorling Kindersley Ltd.

Howe, W.H. (ed.) 1975. The Butterflies of North America. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday Press.

Neck, Raymond W. 1996. A Field Guide to Texas Butterflies. Houston Texas Gulf Publishing Company. ISBN 0-87719-
243-X

Opler, Paul A. 1992. A Field Guide to Eastern Butterflies. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scott, J.A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford
University Press.

Tilden, J.W. and A.C. Smith. 1986. A Field Guide to Western Butterflies. Boston: Houghton Mifflin

Tveten, John and Gloria, 1996. Butterflies of Houston and Southeast Texas. Austin Texas: University of Texas Press.
ISBN 0-292-78142-3

Walton, Richard and Paul Opler. 1990. Familiar Butterflies of North America. Alfred Knopf. ISBN Q679-72981-X

Wright, Amy Bartlett. 1993. Peterson First Guides to Caterpillars of North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Company.

Visit the Dallas County Lepidopterists Society webpage for more reference books on moths and butterflies!
www.dallasbutterflies.com

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
214-428-7476 www.TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
 Native Butterfly Checklist

Date Time/Location Butterfly (egg/larvae/pupa) Activity/Plant

Month-Day-Year

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Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
214-428-7476. www.texasdiscoverygardens.org
 TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS
BUTTERFLY HABITAT PROGRAM
Application for Certification

Name:__________________________________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________
City:_________________________________________State:______________Zip:_____________________
Daytime Phone Number: _____________________________ Home Phone ___________________________
E-mail: _____________________________________
Did you take our butterfly gardening workshop? Yes No

I. Caterpillar Food Plants (Larval Food Plants)-- List the Trees, Shrubs, Annuals and Perennials that feed
butterfly larvae: Continue on a separate page if needed.

Trees & Shrubs Qty. Annuals & Perennials Qty.

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II. Butterfly Nectar Plants - List the Trees, Shrubs, Annuals and Perennials that provide sugar and pollen for
Butterfly Adults. Continue on a separate page if needed.

Trees & Shrubs Qty. Annuals & Perennials Qty.

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1
III. Water / Mud for Puddling -- Describe your method for providing a water source for butterflies and/or a
mud source for extra water and minerals.

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___________________________________________________________________________________________

IV. Feeders (Optional) - Describe any butterfly feeders and the number used. If you are providing rotted
fruit for the sap feeding species, please describe your feeder and food source. Note: trees such as a mulberry
or plum will provide sap if the fruit is left to ripen and ferment on the ground.

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V. Habitat Design

How many hours of sun does the area receive daily during the summer?

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Which direction does it face? (North, South, East, West)

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Is there a windbreak? Please describe.

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What is the approximate size of the habitat? (Square Feet or Acres) ___________________________________

2
List any large trees or shrubs that could provide roosting and shelter.

Tree or Shrub Number Size

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VI. Pest Control - Please describe any methods or substances used in the habitat for pest control.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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VII. Is there additional information you wish to add regarding your butterfly habitat?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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OPTIONAL: You may include a sketch of your habitat design or non-returnable photos.

Certification is $35 and includes a complimentary sign for your garden. Please mail or fax the
completed application to:

Texas Discovery Gardens

Butterfly Habitat Program
P.O. Box 152537
Dallas, Texas 75315
Fax (214) 428-5338
www.TexasDiscoveryGardens.org

Applications will be reviewed for diversity of plant material & general landscape conditions that provide
a healthy environment for the entire life cycle of a diversity of butterfly species. Signs will be mailed out
within three weeks of application and payment ($35).

The mission of Texas Discovery Gardens is to teach effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature in an
urban setting, with a focus on gardening organically and sustainably. Texas Discovery Gardens is a non-profit
501(c)(3) organization supported in part by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.