It is time to look beyond perennials and annuals for plants to add to your garden as nectar sources. Many flowering trees attract and provide nectar for many species butterflies and moths.
When we think about nectar plants, few of us consider trees. It is wonderful that nature isn’t limited by our imagination.
These are only a few of the trees that provide nectar for butterflies. Some are strong attractants, like Vitex. Others do not attract many butterflies, such as Crepe Myrtle.
When choosing a tree to plant as a nectar source, there are various factors to consider. Many trees are host plants as well. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on and their caterpillars host on many species of trees. Check out some of the facts that you should consider before planting a tree in your yard on our Many Trees Are Butterfly Host Plants page. On that webpage we go discuss issues such as thorns, yard space, trimming trees, power lines, and more.
If anyone in your family or who anyone who visits often is allergic to bees and wasps, be sure to check out that factor before planting a tree. Vitex is a wonderful butterfly nectar tree but wasps and bees are strongly attracted to it. If you have bee hives and wish to add more nectar source for bees, Vitex is a great plant to add to your yard.
Most trees bloom only for a couple of weeks or during only one season. If your yard space is limited and you’re planting a tree for nectar, you could choose a tree that is also a host tree. You could also choose a tree that blooms for more weeks in the year than other tree choices.
Flowering trees are a wonderful addition to a butterfly garden.
Butterfly Fun Facts 