DO YOUR PART- grow milkweed

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I have a few clumps of milkweed, parsley and some Queen Annie's Lace out there. I really love the monarch's and swallowtails.

I used to plant a ton of dill and parsley for the Swallowtails in Oklahoma, and it was invariable. If you planted it, you would have swallowtail caterpillars, and quite a few of them. I've tried doing the same thing here in Texas, and I've seen not a single one. Maybe their range doesn't extend this far south.

[Leafmite]

You could try planting maypops as they are host to other types of butterflies. The flowers are very pretty and fragrant, too. As you live where they can easily spread, I would plant them in a large pot to contain those roots

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

You could try planting maypops as they are host to other types of butterflies. The flowers are very pretty and fragrant, too. As you live where they can easily spread, I would plant them in a large pot to contain those roots

That's a good idea. The Gulf Fritillary caterpillars feed on plants in the genus Passiflora. We had those in Oklahoma too. Most species of Passiflora are not perennial in Oklahoma, but lots of people plant them as annuals. Gulf fritillaries are not considered indigenous to Oklahoma, and if you look at a map of the Gulf Fritillary's range, it will not extend up to Oklahoma, but we sure do have them there. Just like the dill and swallowtails, if you plant Passiflora, you WILL have Gulf Fritillaries. Maybe I'll plant some passion flower next year and see if I can find some gulf fritillaries.

[Dollythehun]

Dill and fennel, I have them both, and sassafras trees. I've always planted extensively for pollinators. Sadly, every year I see less. I can remember when they were to numerous to count. I can remember putting fennel in an arrangement and two days later seeing caterpillars in my vase. No more.

[Fuerte Rav]

This is the main passionflower I can grow here - attracts various insects but never seen any butterflies near it. This one is not edible (for humans!)



I have another that is not nearly as vigorous and has really insignificant white flowers but great fruit! Go figure! Can't find a pic at the moment.

[Roberta]

Wonderful photos! Thanks!

[WaterWitchin]

Fascinating and nightmarish all at the same time! Your pictures are astounding... the brown one when straightened out looks a lot like a dachshund my dad used to have.