Butterflies are beloved pollinators all around the world. These creatures are not only diverse in species but are incredibly crucial for the ecological health of the beautiful places we call home.
Idaho is home to several butterflies, including the renowned monarch butterfly!
Other species native to Idaho include the Painted Lady butterfly, Anise Swallowtail, Western Tiger Swallowtail, American Copper, and Red Admiral.
A full list of Idaho butterflies can be found at Types of Butterflies in Idaho
Supporting pollinator populations – like butterflies, but also bees, hummingbirds, and lesser-known pollinators like bats – are a great way to improve the symbiotic relationship between these organisms and the environment, and there are several ways to do so!
First, a gardener can make a lot of great choices for the pollinator in plant selection. Planting a lot of bright flowers that are purple or red in color and provide a good landing pad (think the middle of a coneflower or echinacea flower) are a great way to encourage butterflies to visit.
To bring in monarchs specifically, you can incorporate milkweed plants in your garden. The milkweed is a native plant to Idaho already, but the amount of milkweed available has been dwindling in recent years and this is encroaching on the monarch populations as a result.
Other great flowers to plant are lupine, goldenrod, butterfly bush, aster or hyssop. If grouped together well and planted in sunny locations, this will encourage a safe and inviting place to land.
We had the privilege of planting some butterfly friendly plant varieties at the Zoo Boise Butterfly Exhibit just a few weeks ago! Not only are we actively sponsoring the exhibit, but we’re fully invested in providing perfect plantings for these wonderful critters.
This #PollinatorMonth, we encourage you to visit the butterfly exhibit at the zoo, and feel free to also bring your pollinator questions with you here to Franz Witte Garden Center, where we’d be happy to help you find what you need to bring all the butterflies to your space!
