3 minute read
The Budding Botanist: Pollinator Paradise
By Michelle Cyr, Youth and Family Programs Manager
Native butterflies of our region bring beauty and life to any garden, from their bright colors to their graceful flight. They’re also essential to the ecology of the central coast, as pollinators and a food source for other animals. To create a space where these winged wonders can thrive, consider these key ideas for building a butterfly-friendly garden.
Create a Caterpillar Corner
Most Californians know that caterpillars (larvae) of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) can only eat milkweed (Asclepiadoideae ssp.), but they aren’t the only ones! Most butterfly species are specialists that depend on a native host plant. By planting a diversity of host plants, you can welcome a wider range of butterflies.
Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
Like monarchs, common buckeyes prefer plants with bitter chemical compounds that, when ingested, allow it to incorporate the plant’s toxins into its body and act as a defense mechanism.
California Native Host: Seep monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus)
Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon)
Preferring plants in the rose (Rosa spp.), birch (Betula spp.), and buckthorn (Family Rhamnaceae) groups, pale swallowtails use a variety of native shrubs as viable host plants.
California Native Hosts: Bigpod ceanothus (Ceanothus megacarpus), hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia), California coffeeberry (Frangula californica)
California Sister (Adelpha californica)
This beautiful butterfly relies on oak trees (Quercus spp.) as its host plant, causing it to be distasteful to many predators. As a result, many species mimic this butterfly to avoid predation.
California Native Host: Canyon oak (Quercus chrysolepis), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)
Plant for the Seasons
Once butterflies emerge from their chrysalides, they need an abundance of nectar to sustain themselves. You can provide a steady food source by planting a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the seasons. Some seasonal favorites to consider:
Fall
California Goldenrod (Solidago velutina ssp. californica)
Even after the flowers fade, this plant’s seeds provide valuable food for birds.
Winter
Fuchsiaflower Gooseberry (Ribes speciosum)
Add a splash of color while providing food for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Spring
Sages (Salvia spp.)
Treat visiting pollinators and your nose by filling your garden with aromatic bliss.
Summer
Buckwheats (Eriogonum spp.)
With a wide range of sizes and colors to choose from, buckwheats serve as both a nectar source and host plant to a variety of butterflies and moths.
Create a Welcoming Garden
Incorporate these tips to help promote a more butterfly-friendly space.
Plant in Patches
To better support caterpillars and butterflies, plant large groupings of one species rather than a few of multiple species.
Provide Water
Butterflies need water too. Add a shallow dish to your garden to provide water to pollinators, especially during the dry season.
Garden Mindfully
Avoid using pesticides that may harm caterpillars and butterflies.
