Mississippi is home to 149 different kinds of butterflies. With some careful planning, we can create a beautiful garden as well as a butterfly habitat. Not only do they add interest to a yard, but butterflies also carry pollen from one flower to another. In addition, both the caterpillars and butterflies are sources of food for other insects and birds.

1. Choose a sunny location. Most blooming plants need at least half-day sun to be at their best.
2. Plant for a continuous season of bloom.
3. Plant in masses of the same color.
4. Have trees and shrubs nearby for shelter at night. Lawns don't add shelter.
5. Include host plants to attract egg-laying adults. Some of these are asters, parsley, willow, fennel, dill, tulip poplar, sunflower, wisteria, and crimson clover.
6. Provide water in shallow puddles or birdbaths. Butterflies can't drink from open water. Add a dish of moist sand to your garden or add some stones to your birdbath for the butterflies to sit on.
7. Place flat stones where butterflies can bask in the sun. When not feeding, butterflies often relax on sun-warmed stones.
8. Avoid the use of insecticides.
9. Plant butterfly plants that are suited to our location. Nectar plants feed adult butterflies. Caterpillars eat the leaves of host plants. Both types are necessary for an abundance of butterflies.

Abelia Beebalm Blackeyed Susan Blue Salvias Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) Coreopsis Cosmos Daisies Gaillardia Goldenrod

Gomphrena Honeysuckle Lantana Marigold Pentas Periwinkles Phlox Pineapple Sage Purple Coneflower Queen Anne’s Lace Verbena Yarrow Zinnia