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This is a short list of tropical plants that attract native Florida butterflies either for nectar or as a larval food plant. It is by no means exhaustive.
Remember the majority of butterfly species reside in the tropics and obviously utilize the plants found there. There are a number of ways to attract butterflies. Sliced ripe fruit will attract many species. A cut open Watermelon will attract Julias and Monarchs. The nitrogen in urine is desired by some species (give you any ideas?). Abutilon sp. attracts Zebras, Peacocks, and Julias. Asclepias curassavica (Blood Flower) attracts Peacocks, Monarchs, and Queens. It is also an excellent larval food for Monarchs and Queens. Buddleja
davidii (Butterfly Bush) is very popular with all butterflies.
Bauhinia
galpinii will attract Monarchs. Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Barbados-Pride) is a small tree that
is very popular with Zebras, Julias, Peacocks, Monarchs, and Queens. Calotropis
gigantea is a larval food plant for Monarchs and Queens. Calliandra
haematocephala (Red Powder Puff) attracts Peacocks and Zebras. It
also seems to be popular as a perch for Swallowtails and Zebras. Calliandra
surinamensis (Surinam Powder Puff) attracts Giant Swallowtails, Zebras,
and Peacocks. Citrofortunella mitis (Calamondin) is a larval food plant
for Swallowtails.
Clerodendrum bungii is very popular with Monarchs and Queens. Clerodendrum paniculatum (Pagoda Flower) attracts Zebras, Peacocks,
Monarchs and Swallowtails. Clerodendrum ugandense (Purple Butterfly Bush) attracts Monarchs,
Queens, and Peacocks. Clerodendrum philippinum var. pleniflorum is a night blooming
Clerodendron that is not only popular with Monarchs and Zebras but Moths
also come to the blooms at night. Cornutia
grandfolia attracts Peacocks, Julias, and Zebras. Duranta
erecta (Skyflower) in both the blue and white flowered forms. White
flowers are very popular with Julias and Peacocks. The blue flowered form
attracts Julias, Peacocks, Zebras, Sulfurs, and Swallowtails. Hamelia
patens (Firebush) and all of the other Hamelia sp. seem to be very popular
with all butterfly species.
Holmskioldia tettensis (Tahitian Hat Plant) attracts Zebras,
Sulfurs, Whites and Giant Swallowtails. Ixora sp.
attracts Monarchs. Jatropha
integerrima are utilized by Zebras, Julias, and Peacocks. Jatropha
podagrica (Gout Plant) attracts Zebras and
Julias. Lantana
camara is very popular with zebras and Julias. The yellow flowered
species are also larval food plants for Peacocks and a nectar source for
many other species. Murraya
sp. (Orange Jasmine ect.) are larval food plants for Swallowtails. Mussaenda
incanna attracts Monarchs and Zebras. Odontonema
strictum (Cardinal's Crest) is very popular with Zebras, Queens, Julias,
Swallowtails, Monarchs, and Eastern Blacks. Pachystachys coccinea (Red Shrimp Plant) attracts Giant and Palamedes Swallowtails and Monarchs. Passiflora
sp. (Purple Passion Vine) entice Zebras to lay
their eggs on the foliage.
Pentas lanceolata
is very popular with all butterflies. Quisqualis
indica (Rangoon Creeper) is a vine that attracts
Zebras and Julias. Ruellia
brittoniana is a larval food for Peacocks. Salvia azurea
is very popular with all species of butterflies. Salvia leucantha
attracts Peacocks and Monarchs. Solanum
seaforthianum (St. Vincent Lilac) attracts various species of butterflies. Stachytarpheta urticifolia (Blue Porterweed) is very popular with all butterflies.
Contact:
Jeff Shimonski
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