Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii and its many cultivars and hybrids) blooms from early to mid-summer all the way into fall, its fragrant flowers attracting butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. These tall, arching plants are too easy to grow; once established, they tolerate drought, heat and humidity. They are an invasive...and not easy to remove once establish, btw. See below.

However, this Asian native comes with a couple of serious drawbacks. A prolific seed producer, Buddleja can be invasive, outcompeting and pushing out native plants that are integral to local food webs. Oregon and Washington have banned the sale of Buddleja davidii; many other states have it on their watch lists. Additionally, although its nectar attracts a variety of North American butterflies, such as black swallowtail, eastern tiger swallowtail, great spangled fritillary, monarch, painted lady, and western checkerspot, this plant is not a host plant for any native caterpillars. In order to reproduce, butterflies must find native plant hosts.

Native caterpillar hosts include butterfly weed, other milkweeds, Joe-pye weed, and oak trees.

More important information here.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service