Butterflies need two types of plants in order to survive; the first are the nectar plants like Joe- Pye Weed ones with a flat "landing pad" that allow the adult butterfly to easily rest and take a nice long drink. Like most living things the diet of the young differs from that of the adult. This is the case with butterflies; after working their way out from the safety of their chrysalises (cocoon) they are hungry. Dinner needs to be there right on the spot. The young of the Monarch butterflies and eleven other species of Lepidoptera (butterflies) first meal needs to revolve around milkweed plants.
When planning a butterfly garden be certain to plan for the adults as well as their larvae. Although butterfly bushes (Buddleja species) are beautiful and do provide nectar for adults, there are no species of butterflies in North America that use this plant as a larval host plant.
