#salidago canadensis

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Solitary bee enjoying the Salidago canadensis 🐝

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Flower buds on Salidago canadensis

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solitary wasps making good use of Salidago canadensis

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pov youre a bug under the salidago canadensis

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Want to support butterflies and moths? Plant these!

Top Herbaceous Plants For Caterpillar Production

3. Salidago (Goldenrods)

Goldenrod is one of those unfortunate native plants that often gets called a “weed” despite the fact that it’s been here a lot longer than we have, and supports entire ecosystems through it’s showy flowers. Salidago canadensis, Salidago, Salidago gigantea and Salidago multiradiata are all native species that support at least 59 different species of butterflies and moths.

2. Lupinus (Lupine)

Lupines so beautiful, they’re are an easy sell to gardeners, so why don’t we see them more often when we walk around our neighborhoods? I think we just need to get the word out. These gorgeous plants fix nitrogen in our soil, but they’re also a host plant for at least 64 species of butterflies and moths. Many of which can’t reproduce on any other plant!

1. Fragaria (Strawberries)

Everyone loves strawberries and wild strawberries are famous for how much more flavor they pack into their tiny berries. We actually have three species of Fragaria native to our area. Fragaria virginiana, Fragaria vesca and Fragaria chiloensis. Our native strawberries support at least 76 species of butterflies and moths! These plants are little treat for you AND your ecosystem.

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Here’s what Salidago candensis (Canadian goldenrod) looks like in the fall when it all goes to seed! The wooly character of the seeds is really quite charming for autumn garden character.