Extraordinary Nectar Plants


Extraordinary Nectar Plants For Central Texas Butterflies

Texas Lantana (Lantana horrida)-

Good nectar source for large and small butterflies. Very dependable bloomer.

Gregg’s Bluemist (Conoclinium greggii)-

There is no better nectar source for the Queen butterfly. In the spring and fall they will absolutely cover the blooms. The closely related Monarch prefers this plants nectar as well.

Shrubby Boneset (Ageratina havanensis)-

This plant blooms mainly in the fall and its fragrant white blooms attract Red Admirals and Texas Crescentspots. Hairstreak butterflies frequently nectar on white blooms as well. Especially the Great Purple Hairstreak. Plant in full sun to attract the most butterflies. This plant can be absolutely covered with butterflies and other insects during its peak bloom.

Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus drummondii)-

Sulphur butterflies prefer red to any other color. Pipevine Swallowtails and Gulf Fritillary’s frequently nectar on red flowers as well. This shade tolerant plant is good for hummingbirds as well.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)-

Great nectar plant for medium butterflies.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)-

Also used by medium butterflies, this plant is actually native to NE Texas up through Missouri.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)-

This plant needs a deep well drained soil to thrive. Medium butterflies use this plants nectar. Some books say Monarch’s don’t use this plant as a host plant. This is incorrect. I have more than 20 plants in my yard and larvae are found as frequently on this plant as any of the other milkweeds. I have never noticed a Queen larvae on this species though.

Zexmenia (Zexmenia hispida)-

This plant is extremely drought tolerant. It is used occasionally in the spring and fall and more often during the summer when nectar is harder to come by.

Bush Sunflower (Simsia hispida)-

Same situation as for Zexmenia. Blooms are a little larger and yellow instead of orange.

Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala)-

This plant provides nectar for sulphurs and skippers mainly.

Blazing Star (Liatris mucronata)-

A fall bloomer with beautiful purple spikes. Most butterflies will use this plant's nectar, especially when planted in groups of 3 or more.

Woolly Ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri)-

This plants purple blooms appear early to mid summer providing nectar when other plants are going dormant.

Western Ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii)

A wonderful nectar source for small through large butterflies.

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea compacta)-

Purple blooms usually around June to July. They attract the smaller butterflies such as skippers and hairstreaks. This plant is also a host for the Dog Face Sulphur and Ceraunus Blue Hairstreak.

Texas Aster (Aster texanus)-

Another fall bloomer with white flowers. Can tolerate quite a bit of shade. Also a host for the Pearly Crescentspot.

Salvia (Salvia greggii)-

This plant has red blooms that are attractive to both sulphur butterflies and hummingbirds.