Here is a list of butterfly larval host plants. These plants are not native to Colorado, yet cannot be ignored because of the role they play in the life cycle of some pollinators. Butterflies and moths need host plants for their larvae (caterpillars) to eat. Optimally, it is best to plant at least two host plants in a garden bed.
Notes:
Anise and Gas Plant are drought tolerant once established.
Rue emits an oil that can burn sensitive skin. Wear gloves when handling.
Notes:
Anise and Gas Plant are drought tolerant once established.
Rue emits an oil that can burn sensitive skin. Wear gloves when handling.
| Butterfly - Larval Stage | Host Plant Common Name | Host Plant Scientific Name | Drought Tolerant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | Yes |
| Wormwood | Artemesia absinthium | Yes | |
| Curry plant | Helichrysum angustigolium | Yes | |
| Mint | Mentha spp. | ||
| Sage | Salvia spp. | Yes | |
| Comfrey | Symphytum officinale | Yes | |
| Tansy | Tanacetum vulgare | Yes | |
| Black Swallowtail | Dill | Anethum graveolens | Yes |
| Caraway | Carum carvi | Yes | |
| Fennel | Foeniculum vulgare | Yes | |
| Lovage | Levisticum officinale | Yes | |
| Parsley | Petroselinum crispum | Yes | |
| Anise | Pimpinella anisum | Yes | |
| Rue | Ruta graveolens | Yes | |
| Anise Swallowtail | Dill | Anethum graveolens | Yes |
| Caraway | Carum carvi | Yes | |
| Fennel | Foeniculum vulgare | Yes | |
| Lovage | Levisticum officinale | Yes | |
| Parsley | Petroselinum spp. | Yes | |
| Anise | Pimpinella anisum | Yes | |
| Oregon Swallowtail | French Tarragon | Artemesia dracunculus 'sativa' | Yes |
| Giant Swallowtail | Gas Plant | Dicamnus spp. | Yes |
| Rue | Ruta graveolens | Yes | |
| Silver Spotted Skipper | Licorice | Glycyrrhiza spp. | |
| Gray Hairstreak | Hops | Humulus lupulus | Yes |
| Sage | Salvia spp. | Yes | |
| Red Admiral | Hops | Humulus lupulus | Yes |
| White Peacock | Lemon Balm | Melissa officinale | Yes |
| Mint | Mentha spp. | ||
| Cabbage White | Nasturtium | Tropaeolum majus | Yes |
| Fritillaries | Sweet Violet | Viola odorata | Yes |