Florida Native Butterfly Host Plants

How Butterfly Host Plants Feed Caterpillars

Butterfly host plants provide the leaves caterpillars need to grow and develop in a healthy Florida butterfly garden. Unlike nectar plants, which feed adult butterflies, host plants support the caterpillar stage of the butterfly life cycle. Many butterflies can use only certain plant families or species. For more butterfly gardening advice, visit the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Gulf Fritillary

Primary host plant: Passion Vine (Passiflora spp.)

Gulf fritillary caterpillars depend on passion vines. Caterpillars are often orange with black spines and can be found feeding on the leaves and tender growth.

• Passiflora incarnata (Maypop)
• Passiflora suberosa (Corky-stemmed passionflower)
• Other suitable Passiflora species

Monarch

Primary host plant: Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is the host plant for monarch caterpillars. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, and adult females lay eggs on young milkweed growth.

• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly weed)
• Asclepias humistrata (Pinewoods milkweed)
• Asclepias perennis (Aquatic milkweed)
• Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed)

Black Swallowtail

Primary host plant: Parsley Family Plants

Black swallowtail caterpillars use plants in the carrot family. They may be found on herbs and garden plants as well as native host plants.

• Native and cultivated parsley-family plants
• Carrot
• Dill
• Fennel
• Parsley

Giant Swallowtail

Primary host plant: Citrus Family Plants

Giant swallowtail caterpillars commonly use plants in the citrus family. In Florida, citrus trees and related host plants can attract egg-laying females.

• Citrus trees
• Wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara)
• Hercules’ club and other native Rutaceae

Eastern Black Swallowtail

Primary host plant: Parsley Family Plants

Eastern black swallowtail caterpillars use a variety of plants in the carrot family. Young caterpillars can be easy to miss because they are small and blend into foliage.

• Parsley
• Dill
• Fennel
• Carrot
• Other Apiaceae

Queen

Primary host plant: Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Queen butterflies, like monarchs, use milkweeds as caterpillar host plants. Planting several milkweed species can provide habitat for multiple milkweed-dependent butterflies.

• Native Asclepias species suited to your Florida region

Creating a Host-Plant Garden in Florida

• Choose host plants that are appropriate for your part of Florida and the growing conditions in your garden.
• Expect caterpillars to eat the leaves. Chewed leaves are a sign that the plants are doing their job.
• Avoid pesticides on host plants whenever possible. Even products marketed as gentle or organic can harm caterpillars.
• Plant several host plants rather than relying on a single specimen. Caterpillars can consume foliage quickly.
• Use containers when space is limited. A screened lanai can still provide valuable host-plant habitat.
• Inspect plants regularly for eggs and caterpillars, especially on new growth and the undersides of leaves.
• Keep host plants and nectar plants together when possible so adult butterflies have both food and places to lay eggs.

Host Plants vs. Nectar Plants

Host plants feed butterfly caterpillars. Nectar plants feed adult butterflies. A successful butterfly garden benefits from having both. A garden filled only with nectar plants may attract adult butterflies but will not provide the food needed to raise caterpillars.

Florida note: Plant availability and butterfly host-plant use can vary by species and region. When adding plants to your garden, favor Florida-native species whenever practical.