Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants

You're making a difference! We're here to help as you increase native pollinator populations by planting habitats across the United States.

Native Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants

Utilizing native plants in your garden is a great way to boost local populations... 

Native Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants

  • Milkweed

    Milkweed (Asclepias sp.) is an important part of the Monarch, Queen, and Soldier Butterflies' life cycle. Caterpillars must eat milkweed to survive. We offer several native and non-native varities.

    Milkweed 

  • Passionvine

    Passionvine (Passiflora sp.) is the larval food source of choice for several butterfly species. These include Gulf Fritillary, Julia, Zebra Longwing, and Variegated Fritillary Butterflies. Passionvineis not only a caterpillar food source. The beautiful flowers are a great nectar source for other pollinators as well!

    Passionvine 

  • Nectar Plants

    Nectar plants do not support the larval stage of butterflies, but instead play an important role in the life cycle by providing food for the adult butterfly and other pollinators. Not all flowering plants are created equal - we only grow nectar plants that have been proven superior in the attraction and support of pollinators in our test gardens.

    Nectar 
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Shady Oak Butterfly Farm's Story

Founded in 1999, Shady Oak Butterfly Farm started out by raising butterflies for use in release events, classrooms, exhibits, and home kits as well as providing plants to support butterflies in the home garden. In 2019, we stopped shipping for release events to focus on supporting educational facilities and instututions.

Beginning in 2023, Shady Oak Butterfly Farm has transitioned to offering plants needed for pollinator support as native butterfly habitats are steadily being encroached upon and dissapearing. We no longer raise butterflies at the farm and are concentrating all of our time and resources to expanding the supply of host and nectar plants across the United States.