Five Native Plants Other than Flowers for Butterflies

Everyone knows that during the summer, butterflies flit from flower to flower in our gardens, parks, and yards. Some understand that butterflies are after nectar and then plant flowers full of nectar to attract these painted insects. It's important however to remember that butterflies need different types of plants at different stages in their lifecycle. Here are a five plants to consider if you are interested in attracting butterflies.

Black Cherry Tree: These Cherry Trees are native to much of the United States and are generally good plants for attracting wildlife. Their fruits are eaten by mammals and birds alike, and the flowers which precede the fruit are a good early source of nectar for butterflies. These tree is important for the Eastern Tiger Swallow Tail and the Red Spotted Purple butterflies who will lay their eggs on this tree. Larger than most other Cherry Trees, these tree may grow 50 - 80 feet high providing some protections for the attracted butterflies.

The Black Swallowtail may use garden variety plants like Dill or Parsley as a host.

Oaks: Oaks as discussed in a previous post play an important role in the ecology of the Midwest. These large trees provide shelter and food for a number animal species. When we reflect on these species we often think of Squirrels, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, and Blue Jays. Oaks also are hosts for a few species of Hairstreak and Duskywing butterflies. When the eggs hatch, the caterpillars eat the foliage of the tree before becoming butterflies.

Birches: These attractive trees are often found in front yards of people's homes. River Birch and Paper Birch are two common native trees you can find at most nurseries. Birch trees play host to a number of a caterpillars including: Mourning Cloak and Canadian Tiger Swallowtail butterflies which are two of the larger and more attractive species of the Midwest.

Common Nettle: Stinging Nettle can be a real pain in the garden or yard especially when trying to remove it. If it's found in an out of the way location, consider leaving it in place. The Red Admiral Butterfly uses this weed as a host plant for its caterpillars.

Bluestem Grasses: Both Little and Big Bluestem Grasses make attractive lawn or garden features, and both are easy to find at most nurseries. These plants are known for being attractive to birds, but these grasses are also host plants for a variety of Skipper species.

This Indian Skipper may have grown up in our Bluestem Grasses.

Even if you don't plant these particular plants in your butterfly garden, keep them in mind as you do other landscaping in your yard. There are also a whole bunch of other plants which can be used to attract butterflies. Remember when landscaping, that butterflies need more than just nectar, so the next time you are looking for a new tree, grass, or shrub take a look at this list to get started.

Know Your Weed Ordinances

Many cities have regulations about lawn care, in particular they tend concern themselves with noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are typically highly invasive plants which grow rapidly and are concerned a threat to agriculture. The list of weeds varies some by state.

Here are weeds for you to be aware of:
• WI Noxious Weeds
• MN Noxious Weeds
• IL Noxious Weeds
• MI Noxious Weeds
• IA Noxious Weeds
• Federal List

If you are considering a no mow lawn you will want to be aware of these plants and local regulations. These plants are not likely to be something you have intentionally planted, but that doesn't mean they won't take root amongst your native plants. Given that going to a native plant landscape can stir some trouble with the neighbors, it's best to make sure any complaints they may have are not legitimate. Be sure to weed out or remove any noxious weeds.

Most municipalities have ordinances which read something like this:

Properties should be maintained, with lawns, hedges and bushes kept from becoming overgrown or decayed. Vines, grass and rank vegetation may not exceed a height of 6 inches on developed lots and 12 inches on undeveloped lots. Trees limbs near sidewalks should dip no lower than 8 feet from the ground. Overhanging branches may be trimmed back to the property line. Dead trees and limbs or other natural growth that is rotting should be removed.

Noxious weeds must be cut down prior to blooming, and in no case shall be allowed to grow to a length of 6 inches or more on developed lots and 12 inches or more on undeveloped lots.

Check with your local government to make sure you understand any local regulations before going mow free. Also consider lower growing plants when choosing natives, as this may help you steer clear of trouble.

The goal isn't just about growing native plants in your yard, but ideally convincing others to do the same, and this may mean being a good neighbor while playing by the rules.

The Good Weeds

Wood Violets (Viola Sororia) is the state flower of Wisconsin. It often grows in shady spots of your yard like under trees. When left to grow on their own, they will spread rapidly and seed themselves. They are perennials returning each year, typically flowering in late Spring, they provide a nice splash of color before other flowers' bloom. Wood Violets may also attract butterflies before Summer flowers are available. Its roots aren't particularly deep, so if they are causing problems, they are easy to remove. Our yard is full of these little guys, but after I turned up the soil to setup our meadow garden, they started to take over so we pulled them to prevent them from shading out the seedlings.


Dendelions (Taraxacum officinale) are a very common flower which many people have their yards treated for, but dandelions are much more than weeds. They are salad greens and can be turned into wine. Dandelions have large tap roots which is what makes them so difficult to pull. Dandelions are visited by House Finches and Goldfinches for food, and Hummingbirds may use Dandelion fluff as nesting material. Dandelions are also abundant and easily available for bees and butterflies.


Clover (Dalea Candida - White Prairie Clover & Dalea Purpurea - Purple Prairie Clover). There are a number of species of clover that may grow in your yard but not all of these are native. White Clover and Red Clover are fairly common, but these should not be mistaken with White Prairie Clover and Purple Prairie Clover. While all of them are nitrogen fixers, which are good for your lawn, the "Prairie" varieties are native and can get rather large. Both "Prairie" species grow a large taproot that may grow 6 feet deep. Both species of clover attract a host of pollinators. Both enjoy full sun and do well in dry conditions.

If you are interested in other weeds that aren't so good for your yard, click here.

The Not So Good Weeds

Weeds are defined by Webster as "a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially : one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants." Notice that Webster makes no claims about where the weeds have come from. The USDA lists both introduced (invasive) and weedy plants as weeds. So what is a weed? There's really no right answer, but for the sake of this post I'll address common invasive plants that have the potential to overgrow the other plants in our yard. While generally in favor of a biodiverse lawn, these are plants I remove.

Canada Thistle is in fact not native to the U.S. or Canada; it's a European thistle. It's deep rooted, prickly, and grows pretty quickly. It can grow pretty much anywhere in the yard and has spread through most of the U.S. Most states list it as a noxious weed. It can travel large distances because finches will feed on its seeds, and as they fly through your yard or feed at your feeders, they deposit the seeds.WI DNR on Canada Thistle

Quack Grass is a plant native to Europe that often grows in our yard, flower beds, and even in our flower pots. It's native to Europe as well and spread through most of the United States and Canada. Quack Grass grows very quickly, spreads rapidly, and from my experience seems to be able to take over turf grass. This stuff will grow anywhere. I've also found it difficult to mow with the push-reel mower when it grows in a bunch. Quack Grass on USDA

Yellow Sweet Clover and Red Clover These clovers are not native to the U.S. The Red Clover is native to Europe and parts of Western Asia. It's a nitrogen fixer and grows in your lawn along side white clover. It has pretty purple flower and large leaves with a characteristic light water mark on the leaves. Yellow Sweet Clover is in fact not a clover at all. It's native range is also across the pond. It will overtake natives. Sweet Clover can grow tall and shade out native plant species.

Bird's Foot Trefoil is vine-like crap that grows along the ground. I personally have a terrible time getting rid of this one. It spreads quickly and creeps out of the yard over the curb and into the street. It may also appear in driveway cracks and disturbed soil. This plant is available for purchase and can choke out other plants in your yard or garden. Bird's Foot Trefoil at the Minnesota DNR

Canada Thistle

Bird's Foot Trefoil