Most all of us are familiar with Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) and because of it’s name think it is a good plant for pollinators; truth is it is a non-native species from Asia, considered invasive in at least 20 states. While it does provide nectar for adult insects it does not provide food for the larval stage of butterflies and moths, you know, the caterpillars.
For example, the caterpillar of the iconic Monarch butterfly can only eat milkweed. So, while you may see a Monarch butterfly feeding on Butterfly Bush if there is no milkweed around there will be no next generation produced.
Each of us can help butterflies and other pollinators by planting native species that provide food for all the life stages of these creatures. You can download a comprehensive guide of native trees, shrubs, and flowers suited to our area, by clicking here. If you have trouble opening the guide you can go to www.pollinator.org/guides.htm.