🦋 Host Plants: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies

The Backyard Naturalists

Want to welcome butterflies to your yard and help them thrive? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into the magical role of host plants—the essential “nurseries” for butterflies and other pollinators. 🌿🦋🐛

While nectar plants might get all the glory, host plants are where the real action happens: eggs are laid, caterpillars feed, and life cycles begin. This episode is your go-to guide for making your yard more butterfly-friendly—from milkweed to magnolia.

With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of plant inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants their garden to be more than just beautiful—it can be a lifeline for native species.

🌼 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• ✅ What host plants are and why they’re essential for butterfly reproduction

• ✅ Native plant heroes like milkweed (monarchs!), fennel, violets, buttonbush & more

• ✅ Why plant damage is a good thing (yes, chew marks mean caterpillars are thriving!)

• ✅ How to support butterflies even in small spaces with containers and pots

• ✅ Where to research region-specific host plants for your backyard

You’ll also get great resources like plantnative.com and gardendesign.com to start your pollinator-friendly garden journey.

🌻 Got caterpillars? Snap a pic and send it our way—we’d love to share your backyard wildlife success!