Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, woodlands, and roadsides that are mesic to dry. It is the host plant for two species of butterflies, two…
Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as meadows, roadsides, and stream-sides. It is the host plant for six species of butterflies and a nectar source for other…
A Comprehensive Guide to Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in places that have been disturbed by fire or grazed by animals. Since there has been fire suppression and there are not as many grazers in…
Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), a Popular and Supportive Friend to Insects
Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a tree that reaches the canopy in northern United States and the understory in the southern United States. This plant is a host for five species of butterflies and…
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) in 11 Easy Sections
Introduction Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a herbaceous perennial that grows on the shores of streams, lakes, ponds, ditches and places where there is a high soil moisture. This plant is a host for the…
A Comprehensive Guide to Balloon Milkweed (Asclepias physocarpa)
Balloon Milkweed (Asclepias physocarpa) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, meadows, disturbed areas, and roadsides. This plant is a host for butterflies of the Danaus genus, which includes Monarchs.
A Comprehensive Guide to New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Introduction New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in open areas such as fields, meadows, disturbed areas, and roadsides. In the fall, this plant flowers with goldenrod to form a mosaic…
Fascinating Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is an understory tree that has the largest fruit of the native plants in North America. Pawpaw has purple-brown flowers that bloom in the spring with a green fruit in the late summer to fall. It is the host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail.
A Comprehensive Guide to Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in wet places such as floodplains, swamps, and ditches. It is the host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen…