Explore and gain knowledge about the wildlife on the farm along with host and nectar plants, native vines, herbs, fruits and wildflowers. 

​The tropical milkweed plant (asclepias curassavica) is a favorite for butterfly and flower gardens. Butterflies, hummingbirds and bees are attracted to their gorgeous bright orange and red flowers.

​Sunflowers are a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators like bees. The bright yellow petals act as a visual beacon, drawing butterflies in, and the large, flat face of the sunflower makes a convenient landing platform for them to access the nectar.

​The native Milkweed thrives in sunny, well-drained soil areas and doesn’t require a lot of water.

A great choice for butterfly gardens because their star-shaped flowers, 

• Nectar-rich flowers:

  Pentas produce abundant clusters of star-shaped flowers that are filled with nectar, a favorite food source for butterflies. 

The native Dutchman's Pipe vine is Aristolochia tomentosa, also known as Woolly Pipevine. It is a large, woody vine found in the northern part of the state, typically along stream banks, floodplains, and bottomlands. This vine is a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. 

​Dill is a popular herb that attracts swallowtail butterflies, particularly the Black Swallowtail. The butterflies lay their eggs on dill plants, and the caterpillars that hatch from these eggs feed on the dill foliage. Dill is a host plant for these butterflies, and planting it can help support their populations. 

Attracts a wide variety of butterflies with its bright, nectar-rich flowers. The plant's flat or dome-shaped flower clusters, provide a perfect landing pad for butterflies to feed. Lantana is also a host plant for the Painted Lady butterfly caterpillar, further enhancing its appeal to butterflies. 

Pussy willows are excellent for attracting butterflies and other pollinators for several reasons: 

1. Early Spring Nectar:

Pussy willows (Salix discolor) bloom in early spring, often when other nectar sources are scarce.

Their fuzzy catkins provide an important early nectar source for pollinators, like queen bumblebees and butterflies such as the mourning cloak and viceroy butterfly.

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​Wild thistles are a group of flowering plants known for their prickly leaves and vibrant flower heads. They are part of the sunflower family and are valuable for wildlife, providing food for bees, butterflies, birds, and other creatures. While some thistles are considered weeds, many have edible parts and can be foraged for food. 

​Butterflies are attracted to banana plants and overripe bananas. Banana plants offer food and shelter for some butterfly species, while overripe bananas can be a convenient food source for them.

Attracts a wide variety of butterflies with its bright, nectar-rich flowers. The plant's flat or dome-shaped flower clusters, provide a perfect landing pad for butterflies to feed. Lantana is also a host plant for the Painted Lady butterfly caterpillar, further enhancing its appeal to butterflies. 

​The "Indian blanket flower," also known as Gaillardia pulchella, is a bright, daisy-like flower that thrives in Florida's warm climate. 

​Bougainvillea is known to attract butterflies, along with other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, due to its nectar-rich flowers. The colorful bracts (modified leaves) surrounding the tiny, often white or cream-colored flowers are particularly attractive to these insects. The vibrant display of bougainvillea, especially in colors like hot pink and flame red, can add both beauty and a thriving ecosystem to a garden. 

Salvia coccinea (Tropical Sage), are popular and thrive as Florida natives.  These salvias are known for attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

Passion vine (Passiflora spp.) is a host plant for several butterfly species. The butterfly lays its eggs on the vine, and the caterpillars that hatch feed on the leaves.  butterflies that utilize passion vine include the Zebra Longwing, and Variegated Fritillary. 

Butterflies are naturally attracted to lavender plants, especially for their nectar. The vibrant purple color of lavender flowers signals a rich food source, and the sweet nectar attracts various butterfly species. 

​Fennel is a popular herb that attracts swallowtail butterflies, particularly the Black Swallowtail. The plant's feathery foliage serves as a host plant for the caterpillars, while the yellow flowers attract various pollinators, including butterflies and bees. 

The Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) is known to attract bees and butterflies with its flowers, contributing to pollination and seed dispersal​​.​

Butterflies are often attracted to blackberry bushes, particularly when the flowers are in bloom and when the berries are ripe. Blackberry blossoms provide a source of nectar for butterflies, and the ripe berries themselves can be a food source for some species. 

​Mulberry trees are known to attract butterflies, with some species even using them as host plants for their larvae. The ripe berries of mulberry trees are a food source for various  butterflies, including Monarchs, they may gather in mulberry trees, especially during migration, using them as a place to rest and potentially find food . The mulberry trees also attract birds and other wildlife, contributing to a diverse garden ecosystem. 

​Watermelon vines attract butterflies, particularly when the fruit is overripe. Butterflies are drawn to the moisture and sugars in the decaying fruit. Common visitors include Painted Lady, Question Mark, Tawny Emperor, and American Snout butterflies

Attracts a wide variety of butterflies with its bright, nectar-rich flowers. The plant's flat or dome-shaped flower clusters, provide a perfect landing pad for butterflies to feed. Lantana is also a host plant for the Painted Lady butterfly caterpillar, further enhancing its appeal to butterflies.