I've been working to plant butterfly hosts plants for my garden for quite awhile. I was able to get a California Pipe vine (Aristolochia californica) established (2018) and have had a couple of broods of the California Dutchmen Pipe vine Swallowtail Butterfly. Even though I cultivated seed for a Milkweed after their stint in the refrigeration through to small seedlings, I still do not have a stand of Milkweed. However, I have had a Monarch visit a Tithonia in my garden. Finally, I found a Passiflora edulis 'Possum Purple' (Passion Flower) in 2023 and hope to bring Gulf Fritillary butterflies to my garden. Although I've been focused on the butterflies that require a specific host plants, other butterflies use a variety of plants. Butterflies also need nectar plants that may be different than the host plants they lay their eggs on. So there are many plants to choose from to support your butterfly garden.
Gulf Fritillary and Passionflower
Finally, I found a Passiflora edulis 'Possum Purple' (Passion Flower) in 2023 and hope to bring Gulf Fritillary butterflies to my garden. Possum Purple was developed by Robert Barnum at Possum Trot Farm in Florida. Possum Purple blooms from summer to fall and tolerates sun to part shade and needs fertile, moist well drained soil. It can grow quickly to 2-3 feet so will need a trellis, fence or wall to grow on.
Passiflora anthers are above the nectar location in the flower. When bees come in for nectar they will be coated with pollen on their back. The sticky pistil between the anthers then receives pollen from the bees' next trip. Another interesting feature is that the plant has small projection that are thought to be an egg mimic as a protective measure (California Gardens.com). It doesn't deter the butterfly and as is not even in the same location the butterfly lays her egg which is under the leaf. Another source noted that the eggs are laid on the tendrils. (UCANR Bug Squad)
Pearly Everlasting is a California native plant primarily found in northern and central California that is the host plant for the American Lady and Painted Lady butterflies. It is found in disturbed and previously burned soil. A member of the Asteraceae family, it has yellow flowers that bloom in summer. I have added it to my newly planted California native garden (Fall, 2023).
Pearly Everlasting (Annapolis margaritacea)