Violets (Viola spp.) are a host plants for five fritillaries in western Pennsylvania, four of which are common to all violets and one, regal fritillary, is hosted by the bird-foot violet (Viola pedata). In the spring, violets have white, blue, violet, and yellow flowers. These herbs, which provide taller structure, can be a vital part […] Continue reading "21 Magical Native Violets You Can Grow in Western Pennsylvania"
Viburnums are a host plant for four species of butterflies including the Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus), Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon), Henry’s elfin (Incisalia henrici) and the Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton). In the fall, a lot of these viburnums have attractive foliage and the drupes (fruit) provide food for birds. These shrubs, which provide taller structure, […] Continue reading "9 Fabulous Viburnums for Your Allegheny County, PA Butterfly Garden"
Goldenrods are an important nectar source for insects in the late summer and fall and can be a vital part of your butterfly garden in Allegheny County. The genus name, Solidago, derives from the Latin words, Solidus and ago, which together mean to make (ago) whole (Solidus). This meaning comes from the medicinal uses of […] Continue reading "21 Delectable Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) to Grow in Your Allegheny County, PA Butterfly Garden"
American-asters, those in the Symphyotrichum genus, as opposed to the European asters, those in the Aster genus, are one of the most common flowers in the late summer and autumn. These plants serve as host plants for the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), and silvery checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) butterflies as well as […] Continue reading "18 Spectacular Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) to Grow in your Allegheny County, PA Butterfly Garden"