Making your yard more attractive to butterflies does not have to be an expensive, major undertaking. A few choice plants, a basking site, and a source of water may be all that is needed to entice these colorful insects into your yard. Before selecting plants for butterflies, find out what species are common in your area. While many species such as the well-known Monarch are found across most of the United States, other species are native to specific parts of the country. Knowing what types of butterflies are common in your area will help you select proper plants for the larvae.
Most species can only survive on a few types of plants.
Monarch larvae feed only on milkweed plants, while the similar looking Viceroy larvae feed on willow and poplar leaves. The Black Swallowtail larvae feed on plants such as carrots, dill, and parsley. Many species feed on native plants, including those often called weeds such as nettle and thistle. Adult butterflies require a source of nectar or other liquid from sap or over-ripe fruits. Their long mouthparts are able to reach deep into flowers to obtain this nectar.