Plants for Butterflies in Houston by Donald Burger, Houston, TX Nectar Plants and Host Plants for Butterflies in Houston by Donald Ray Burger Attorney at Law Butterflies feed on the nectar of certain flowers. Fortunately for the urban gardener, the plants butterflies prefer are also among the most beautiful in the garden. Masses of color are more likely to attract butterflies. Host plants are those plants on which butterflies lay their eggs.
Different species prefer different host plants.
If the female can't find a suitable plant in your garden she will go elsewhere. Trees, shrubs, vines, annuals, perennials and herbs all provide nectar flowers and host plants. Some butterflies prefer tall plants and some prefer short ones. Plants suitable for Houston are discussed below. If a plant is especially attractive to a particular butterfly, that information is also provided.