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"
Guest post by Ryan Scanlon with Q&A Landscaping. Q&A supports native biodiversity by installing hundreds of native flowers, shrubs, & trees every year. With the unending naturalization of imported plants, planting native bushes and perennials are important in sustaining (and saving) natural wildlife. But, there could be more light shed on planting specific hosts that […] Continue reading "7 Host Flowers & Bushes of Native Insect Larvae"
Having waited until deadline day, I’ve written about the subject that I know best, although still only a little and much of it wrong- myself. The first native plant thrill that I can remember was on Hog Mountain in South Central Virginia. My Aunt Dixie was an enthusiastic wildflower lover, and her “Holy Grail” was […] Continue reading "Confessions of a Lousy Native Plant Gardener"
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"