Best Flowers to Attract Butterflies: A Regional Guide for the US

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on flowers that attract butterflies, where we explore enchanting blooms that are sure to transform your garden into a butterfly haven. Not only will these stunning flowers bring a burst of color to your landscape, but they will also provide nourishment and habitat for these delicate winged creatures. In this article, we'll highlight butterfly-attracting flowers suitable for different regions in the USA, ensuring you can create a butterfly-friendly haven no matter where you reside.

1. Northeast Region

The Northeast region of the USA offers a diverse range of flowers that will entice butterflies to your garden. Some top choices include:

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Native to this region, the vibrant purple petals of the Purple Coneflower serve as a beacon for butterflies, particularly the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Monarch.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): A must-have for any butterfly garden, this perennial produces clusters of bright orange flowers that attract butterflies like the Monarch and Great Spangled Fritillary.

2. Southeast Region

The Southeast region boasts a mild climate that supports an array of captivating flowers to lure butterflies. Consider incorporating these into your garden:

Lantana (Lantana camara): With its striking clusters of red, orange, yellow, and purple blooms, Lantana is a favorite among butterflies such as the Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans): Known for its vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms, Zinnias are irresistible to butterflies like the Black Swallowtail and Painted Lady.

 

3. Midwest Region

The Midwest region offers a fertile ground for an abundant butterfly garden. Here are two flower varieties that are particularly appealing to butterflies:

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.): This tall perennial with its pinkish-purple flowers is a magnet for a variety of butterflies, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Painted Lady.

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.): Boasting vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple, Bee Balm attracts butterflies such as the Eastern Tailed-Blue and Pearl Crescent.

 

4. Southwest Region

The Southwest region's arid climate calls for flowers that are not only attractive to butterflies but also drought-tolerant. Here are two excellent choices:

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): This tough perennial produces bright yellow flowers and is highly attractive to butterflies such as the Checkered White and Marine Blue.

Agastache (Agastache spp.): With its tubular flowers in shades of orange, pink, and purple, Agastache is a favorite among butterflies like the Pipevine Swallowtail and Fiery Skipper.

 

5. West Coast Region

The West Coast region offers a mild climate that supports a wide range of butterfly-attracting flowers. Consider these options:

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Known for its vibrant orange and yellow blossoms, the California Poppy draws in butterflies such as the California Tortoiseshell and Sara Orangetip.

Lupine (Lupinus spp.): This striking flowering plant, available in various colors, is a favorite of butterflies like the Acmon Blue and Variable Checkerspot.