top of page

Host Plant List

Host plants are listed below each butterfly/moth species:

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

  • milkweeds

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

  • Hollyhock, Mallow, Malva, Sunflower, Thistles, Stinging Nettle, Ribgrass Plantain, Borage, and many more.

Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)

  • Cottonwood, Willow, Poplar.

Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

  • American Elm, Willow, Cottonwood, Poplar.

Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)

  • Cabbage, Kale, Radish, Mustard, Nasturtiums, Cleome, other brassicas.

Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)

  • Fennel, Dill, Parsley, other plants in the carrot family.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

  • Stinging Nettle, False Nettle, Pellitory.

Comma (Polygonia spp.)

  • Stinging Nettle, False Nettle.

Lordquin's Admiral (Limenitis lorquini)

  • Willow, Chokecherry, Poplar.

Polyphemus (Antheraea polyphemus)

  • Birch, Oak, Maple. 

Nectar Plant List

Please check your climate for suitability of growing the listed plants below:

Annuals

  • Lantana

  • Pentas

  • Marigold

  • Mexican Sunflower/Tithonia

  • Verbena

  • Borage

  • Salvia

  • Zinnia

  • Porterweed

  • Cosmos

  • Gazinna

  • Mexican Flame Vine

  • Mist Flower

Perennials

  • Milkweeds

  • Brazilian Verbena

  • Buddleia/Butterfly Bush

  • Salvia

  • Asters

  • Candytuft

  • Honeysuckle

  • Coneflower/Echinecea

  • Black-Eyed-Susan

  • Tickseed

  • Wallflower

  • Pincushion

  • Goldenrod

  • Joe Pye Weed

  • Bee Balm/Monarda

  • Blazing Star

  • Agastache

  • Buttonbush

  • Lavender

  • Phlox

Metamorphic Farms LLC

Subscribe to our Butterfly Email List!

Coupons, promotions, and caterpillar shipping schedule!

Thanks for subscribing!

This button is simply to comply with California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). We do not sell personal information.

Copyright Metamorphic Farms LLC 2025

bottom of page