BY Sebastian Oritz Muñoz
What primarily attracts butterflies to nectar sources goes beyond the color of the flower—the shape of the flower matters most. Butterflies are attracted to flowers that have large petals that serve as a landing pad for them to access the nectar. They are also attracted to flowers that grow in clusters, where they can land and enjoy multiple feasts. Flowers with slender tubes are also favored, allowing butterflies to insert their proboscis (tongue) to reach the nectar. For these reasons, the following flowers all make the perfect surroundings for the sculpture.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed is a critical host plant for butterflies because it is the sole food source for monarch caterpillars. It also contains toxins that make monarchs unpalatable to predators, providing essential protection during their life cycle.
Meadow Phlox (Phlox maculata)
Meadow Phlox is a native perennial plant, and has short, narrow nectar tubes, making the nectar available for only long-tongued insects including butterflies.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple Coneflower is a native plant, named for the spiny cone-shaped flower center encircled by slender petals. Its large petals are excellent for landing, giving butterflies and other pollinators moments to rest while accessing nectar.
Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)
Blazing Star is a beacon for butterflies and other pollinators. The native plant blooms in late summer and early fall, providing late-season nectar. (Photo credit: Jeffrey Hamilton)
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Common Yarrow provides a flat-topped structure with small flowers clustered together, making it easy to land on. The flowers are also white, pink, or yellow, inviting butterflies to partake in their nectar.
Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Eastern Columbine is a native perennial wildflower that is easy to grow and attracts a wide range of pollinators including hummingbirds. In addition, it is the sole host plant for the columbine duskywing butterfly.