container butterfly garden 2016
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© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. CountyProject SOUND – 2016 (our 12th year)
© Project SOUND
The Butterfly Container: creating a butterfly garden using
containers
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH (emeritus) & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh PreserveJuly 2 & 7, 2016
Part of Rediscovering Eden is rediscovering our faunal heritage
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And that includes providing habitat for local butterflies & pollinators
But maybe I have only limited space
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http://www.houzz.com/photos/4550907/Manhattan-Roof-Garden-White-Planters-Terrace-Deck-Paver-Patio-Container-Plan-contemporary-deck-new-york
Can I attract butterflies, with just a few planters?
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http://www.houzz.com/patio-container-plants
Yes, but not as many butterflies as you could with a larger garden – and you need to choose plants carefully
Today we’re going to design several butterfly gardens based on containers
What it takes to attract butterflies
Choosing and siting containers
California native plants that attract butterflies – and provide habitat for them
Choosing plants appropriate for containers
© Project SOUND
https://www.crateandbarrel.com/blog/container-garden-ideas/
What we learn today is applicable to those with very limited space (e.g. a balcony) or those who want to add accents that will attract more butterflies to a larger garden.
Let’s start with a very small garden…
…and very big dreams of attracting lots of interesting butterflies
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The first steps involve thinking, learning and planning
http://www.firstredeemer.org/thinking/
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Is my location really suitable for a butterfly garden?
Best in a sunny, protected area – check the sun/shade patterns (need at least 4 hours sun/day)
Away from traffic -parking strips are generally not the best choice
Out of heavy winds. Butterflies won't stay where they are being blown around.
http://www.hot100fm.com.au/lifestyle/in-outdoors/43478-getting-the-most-out-of-your-balcony-garden
http://siteforeverything.com/can-you-make-your-own-balcony-garden/
Too windy?
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Two important first questions in planning a butterfly garden
What butterfly species do I want to attract? Are there particular butterflies
we really want to attract? What butterflies occur
commonly in my area?
Do I want to just attract adult butterflies, or do I want to create true butterfly habitat (provide everything the butterflies need to live out their lives)?
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Participating in the annual July Butterfly Count is a great way to learn about butterflies
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It helps to understand the basics of the life cycle of butterflies
http://basrelief.org/NewFiles/lifecyc.html
If we want to provide complete butterfly habitat, we have to provide for all stages of the life cycle
That may or may not be feasible in a small garden – let’s see what it takes
Elements of a butterfly habitat garden
Nectar sources (food for adult butterflies) Often generalist; good nectar
sources attract many species Often the same as good pollinator
habitat plants – garden serves many species
Often have attractive flowers
Larval (caterpillar) food sources– may be quite specific
Water
Sunning/perching spots
Protected areas
© Project SOUND
http://www.axsoris.com/butterfly-garden-plan-with-full-sun-plants-for-a.html
Of course you’ll also want to design some seating so you can enjoy the butterfly visitors
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Caterpillars are born to eat….
It takes a huge amount of energy (food) to grow & metamorphose into a butterfly
Keys to successful ‘Architectural pots’
Choose pots appropriate for architectural style
Limit the container palette: all the same or similar size, shape or color
Choose plants that look good year round
Choose plants that are large and/or dramatic in some way –‘plant divas’
Manage the plants: should always ‘look good’
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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/zinc-tall-square-planter/s391046?si=2205077&aff=cj
If you’re limited to a very small garden…
You are limited in the size and number of plants you can accommodate
Plants may need to ‘look tidy’ most of the year
You may want to add floral color, in addition to interesting foliage
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In this situation, it is usually easier to focus on attracting adult butterflies, rather than providing year-round butterfly habitat
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If you were a butterfly, what kind of plant would you like?
Lots of little flowers filled with nectar Sunflower family (Asteraceae) Buckwheat genus (Eriogonum ) Milkweed genus (Asclepias ) Fiddleneck genus (Phacelia) Mint family (Mentha;
Monardella; Salvia)
Pea family (Fabaceae) Monkeyflowers (Phrymaceae)
Why choose CA native plants, rather than non-natives (to attract adult butterflies)?
They have exactly the right characteristics (they are ‘butterfly plants’) Lots of small flowers Sweet-smelling nectar
Most are fine-tuned to attract & provision our local butterflies: Scent cues Visual cues Qualities of the nectar:
Sugar content Other: minerals, ‘vitamins’, ‘insect
medicinals’, other useful chemicals
© Project SOUND
In short, native plants provide abundant, healthy food (both for the adult butterfly & for her offspring)
A closer look at our very small butterfly garden
Factors to consider:
What material is the container made of? What are the drainage characteristics
What color is the container?
What are the light characteristics of the site? Will you be able to move the container with changing light conditions?
How are you going to water the container? How often?
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Typical ‘large, architectural planter’
18-24” tall; 40-48” long; 16-18” deep
How big a pot?
Good rule of thumb: big enough for 2-3 year’s growth (learn enough about the plant’s growth to judge)
Go big - the smallest (for small plants) should be 2.5 gallon
Bigger can be better: Allows room for plants to grow Easier to maintain correct soil
moisture Easier to maintain temperature
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http://housetohome.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96/000011849/e80f_orh550w550/Red-Mud-Hut-planter.jpg
Light-colored pots are easier to keep cool in sunny locations
Back to our very small garden…
Site characteristics Sunny location Light colored pots Hand water (or drip) – whenever
needed Planting medium: whatever
needed – adequate drainage
Size limits: Three containers: each 18-24”
tall; 40-48” long; 16-18” deep
© Project SOUND
What plants are suitable butterfly nectar sources, given our site and size constraints?
Where can we find plants that meet our basic requirements?
Attract butterflies
Are sun-loving
Some heat tolerance (in a container)
Any water and drainage requirement, as long as those in an individual container are compatible
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© Project SOUND
Consult ‘Butterfly Nectar Sources’ list (on the Native Plants for Butterflies list,
Mother Nature’s Backyard Blog)
Characteristics of our plants: reality check Root depth: less than 2 ft.
(unless we increase the container depth)
Overall size: Height: probably less than 3
ft.; taller if a vine (need to have space; support)
Diameter: less than 2 ft. (larger if will drape or slightly larger if space allows)
Nice appearance much of the year
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Fortunately size and other traits can be found on the list
One easy trick: the ‘Cache pot’ solution (double potting)
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http://www.fabdwell.com/home/mid-century-modern-planters-addressing-beauty-function/
http://www.calendariodojardim.com.br/anteriores/Dica0412.html
http://www.canberraorchids.org/tips.html
Pot stand made from a cheap plastic pot
Allows you to switch out plants for seasonal color
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/bronze-26.5-tall-tapered-planter/s595512?si=2205077&aff=cj
8” wide/11” deep insert
Back to our very small garden… Site characteristics
Sunny location Light colored pots Hand water (or drip) – whenever
needed Planting medium: whatever
needed
Size limits: Three containers: each 18-24”
tall; 40-48” long; 16-18” deep
© Project SOUND
Let’s go for a yellow & purple theme that will attract adult butterflies in summer and fall. We’ll start by considering the Sunflowers.
A few tips for plants grown in containers
Consider final size carefully; some plants are just too large for most containers
Much easier to grow plants that like water than those that don’t
Most container-grown plants need more/more frequent water than they would in the ground (except those grown in plastic pots or with poor drainage).
Plants that do well in sun/part-shade may do best with morning or late-day sun in summer
© Project SOUND
Check your pots often in dry, windy weather
Sunflower options – yellow & whiteName Blooms Size Water+ Soil Achillea millefolia (Yarrow) White
Spr-Su< 2 ftspreads 2 to 3 Any
Baileya multiradiata (Desert marigold)
YellowSpr-Su
1-2 ft t1-2 ft w 2 Well-
drained
Coreopsis/Leptosyne maritima(Sea dahlia)
YellowSpr
1-2 ft t3-4 ft w 2 Well-
drained
Grindelia hirsutula(Coastal gum plant)
YellowSu
1-2+ ft t2-3 ft w 2, 2-3 Any
* Grindelia stricta(Spreading gum plant)
YellowSu
1 ft t3+ ft w 2, 2-3 Any
Senecio flaccidus var. douglasii(Butterweed)
YellowSu-F
2-3 ft t2-3 ft w 1-2 to 2 Any
Solidago californica (CA goldenrod)
YellowSu-F
2-3 ft tspreads 2 to 3 Any
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+: Water Zone in containers: 1 = dry; 2 = occasional (1-2 times/wk); 3= regular/moist
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*Desert marigold – Baileya multiradiata
©2010 Neal Kramer
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?BAMU
Mojave and Sonoran Deserts [Anza-Borrego] in CA, to Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, n Mexico
Desert roadsides, flats, washes, hillsides to ~ 6000 ft. in Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland
Collected 1902 by TS Brandegee; "Baileya" honors Jacob Whitman Bailey (1811-1857), a chemist and botanist known for microscopic studies of diatoms
© Project SOUND
Desert marigold looks like a garden plant
Size: 1-2 ft tall 1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Mounded, short-lived perennial Herbaceous; drought deciduous
(dies way back)
Foliage: Gray-green & very hairy (good
desert plant) Leaves lacy, mostly in tidy basal
rosette Pretty accent color; larval food
for desert marigold moth (Schinia minima)
©2010 James M. Andre
©2010 Barry Breckling
© Project SOUND
Sunny, yellow flowers Blooms:
On & off with moisture from Mar-Nov
Flowers: Sunflower heads with lots of
overlapping ray flowers (like a marigold)
Both ray & disk flowers and intense, golden yellow
Very attractive; good cut flowers
Attract wide range of pollinators: native bees, flies, butterflies, moths
Seeds: reseeds well on bare soil or gravel mulch
©2010 Neal Kramer
©2013 Jean Pawek
© Project SOUND
Desert wash plant Soils:
Texture: any well drained; ‘cactus mix’ in containers
pH: any local (7.0-9.0); takes alkali and salty soils
Light: full sun to part-shade; can take reflected heat
Water: Winter: needs good moisture to
get it though flowering Summer: your choice; best
flowering with occasional water (Zone 1-2 to 2; Zone 2 in pots). Taper off in Sept.
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils. Yearly ½ strength in containers
Other: inorganic or no mulch; prune off old flower heads
Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
Use like a marigold As an accent plant in desert-
themed garden; rock garden In foreground of water-wise beds;
along walkways On dry margins of vegetable
garden (attracts pollinators) Does well in containers
©2015 Richard Spellenberg
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/119--baileya-multiradiata
https://www.snwa.com/apps/plant/detail.cfml?type=87&id=14752
© Project SOUND
Include Gumplants in your garden because of..
Attractive flowers Mar-Oct
Balsamic aroma
Tolerates any soil – well-drained is best
Drought tolerance
Easy to grow
Highly attractive for Bees Butterflies Other insects (beetles; other
unusual insects) Birds (seeds)
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* Saltmarsh gumplant – Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla
Beatrice F. Howitt © California Academy of Sciences
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Saltmarsh gumplant – pretty, but too short
Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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Coastal Groundcover Gum Plant - Grindelia stricta venulosa
A.K.A Grindelia arenicola, G.a. pachyphylla, G.s. procumbens
Coastal bluff plant from the bay area.
Low growing - < 1 ft. Spreads nicely as a ground
cover Mix with Baccharis Pigeon
Point and Penstemon Margarita BOP on coastal slopes
Likes some summer water –Zone 2 to 2-3
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindelia-stricta-venulosa
© Project SOUND
Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula
Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima
© 2008 Jorg Fleige
http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm
© 2008 Jorg Fleige
© Project SOUND
Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula
Var. hisutula – coastal, including western L.A. Co., coast near Santa Monica Mtns.
Var. maritima – north & central CA coast
Both: Coastal areas; sea bluffs and
slopes Sandy soils
var. hirsutula
var. maritima
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,1255,1260,1264http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm
© Project SOUND
Hairy Gumplant - an herbaceous perennial
Size: 1-3 ft tall (v.maritima 1-2 ft) 1-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial; dies back
in fall Many slender stems from woody
rootstock May be upright or more leaning
(maritima)
Foliage: Blue-green, tinged with red,
purple or yellow More refined-looking than other
Grindelia species© 2000 Joseph Dougherty/ecology.org
© Project SOUND
Flowers are pure gold Blooms: spring-summer – usually
June-Aug in S. Bay
Flowers: Typical sunflower heads with
well-developed ray flowers (maritima has more ray flowers)
Bright golden yellow Profuse bloomer – even with
little summer water Pollinator magnets!!
Seeds: Small, but edible Birds love them!
Vegetative reproduction: not a real spreader
© 2008 Jorg Fleige
https://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/d%20-%20g/grindelia_hirsutula.htm
© Project SOUND
Hairy Gumplant – a natural for the perennial bed
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindella-hirsutula
At back of mixed flowers beds; along walls, fences
Fine on slopes Easy, adaptable & hardy Do fine in containers
http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/2009/06/mmmmm-food.html
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California Goldenrod – Solidago californica
http://plants.montara.com/ListPages/FamPages/Astera7.html#solcan
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California Goldenrod – Solidago californica
Good example of the Sunflower family
Western coast from OR to Baja, east to NV
In CA, mostly in north & coastal S. CA (including mountains)
In both dry and moist environments
In the open (including grasslands) and in shaded woods, from coastal sage scrub to yellow pine forest
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,1838,1840
© Project SOUND
CA Goldenrod: an adaptable perennial Size:
1-3 ft tall (flowering stalk may be taller)
2+ ft wide; spreading
Growth form: Bunching perennial Fast growing; more so with regular
summer water Dies back (to the ground) in
fall/winter
Foliage: Leaves dark green to gray-green;
typical of Sunflower family
Roots: Spreads via rhizomes
© Project SOUND
Great nectar plants – true butterfly magnets
Important nectar source in summer/fall in the wild.
Provides nectar for wide range of butterflies & hummingbirds: Monarch (Danaus plexippus) West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta) Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon) Skippers Others
Seed-eaters eat the seeds
http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Solidago_californica.htm
http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/flowers/index.php?action=show_item&id=27&search=
© Project SOUND
Goldenrods are easy to grow if you follow a few tips
Give them plenty of sun
Water them (regularly to occasionally) in summer – at least until they start to bloom
Cut them back in winter dormant period
Remove unwanted stems; or divide and give some away
Will spread more quickly in lighter soils – may want to contain, or limit summer waterhttp://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/californiagoldenrod.html
Now to the other containers in our very small garden…
Site characteristics Sunny location Light colored pots Hand water (or drip) – whenever
needed Planting medium: whatever
needed
Size limits: Three containers: each 18-24”
tall; 40-48” long; 16-18” deep
© Project SOUND
We need something purple – or possibly pink – in order to complete our design
Sunflower options – purpleName Blooms Size Water
Zone+Soil
Corethrogyne filaginifolia(Common sand aster)
Violet/YSpr-Su
1-3+ ft tspreads 2 Most
Erigeron foliosus(Fleabane daisy)
Violet/YSpr-Su
2-3 ft t2-3 ft w 2 to 3 Most
*Erigeron glaucus(Seaside daisy)
Violet/YSpr-F
< 1 ft tallspreads 2 to 3 Most
Pluchea odorata(Sweetscent)
PinkSu-F
2-3 ft tall2-3 ft w 2 to 3 Most
* Symphyotrichum chilense[Aster chilensis](Coast aster)
Violet/YSpr-F 2-3 ft tall
spreads 2 to 3 Most
© Project SOUND
+: Water Zone in containers: 1 = dry; 2 = occasional (1-2 times/wk); 3= regular/moist
© Project SOUND
Two California Erigeron Daisys
Erigeron foliosus
Erigeron glaucus
E. foliosus (Leafy): Mountain ranges & hills of C.
& western S. CA Dry, sunny, rocky, brushy or
wooded or grassy slopes coastal sage scrub, chaparral
and southern oak woodland
E. glaucus (Seaside) Central to N. Coast (into OR) Coastal bluffs, dunes,
beaches Coastal Strand, Coastal Sage
Scrub, Northern Coastal Scrub
© Project SOUND
What differences in gardening practices? Soils: both do well in any
well-drained soil Light: both do well in full
sun or part-shade Water:
Leafy: little/no summer water
Seaside: takes regular watering; doesn’t like to be dusty
Seaside Daisy tolerates seaside conditions
© Project SOUND
Horticultural cultivars of Seaside Daisy
Variable in size (but all are short) and number of flowers per plant
Choose the one you like best
‘Cape Sebastian’ cultivar
http://www.mostlynatives.com/notes/erigeronglaucuscs.jpg
http://www.callutheran.edu/Academic_Programs/Departments/Biology/Wildflowers/gf/plants/category/gar-1670.htm
‘Olga’ cultivar ‘Bountiful’ cultivarhttp://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2213
‘Sea Breeze’ cultivar
http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/eriglasb.htm
Seaside daisyErigeron glaucus
© Project SOUND
http://nativeson.com/annotated_catalog/ecatalog.htm
http://garden-photos-com.photoshelter.com/image/I0000zpquFw1K.bA
Great butterfly accent plant -if we had more space!
© Project SOUND
Pacific Aster – Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense(Aster chilensis)
© 2007 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
A plant of many habitats
Grasslands Salt marshes Coastal dunes and
bluffs Coastal grasslands and
scrub, Even open disturbed
habitats in evergreen and Pacific coast coniferous forest
© 2004, Ben Legler
Not surprisingly, there are phenotypic variants
© Project SOUND
Flowers are dainty Blooms:
Summer into fall: usually Jul-Sep in Western L.A. Co.
Flowers: Typical sunflower head – but
dainty; ~ 1 inch head White to purple (even pink) ray
flowers; yellow disc flowers Many flowers blooming at one
time; very showy Excellent nectar source for
native moths and butterflies
Seeds: With fluffy tail to aid wind
distribution; birds love them! Can reseed on bare ground© 2007 Neal Kramer
© 2004, Ben Legler
© Project SOUND
Soils: Texture: any – sand to clay pH: any local
Light: Full sun to light shade; Probably best color in light
shade
Water: Winter: adequate Summer: wide range (Zone 1-2
to 3); probably best as Zone 2 –too aggressive with more water.
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: can be heavily pruned, even mowed, occasionally. Cut back in fall after flowering.
© 2004, Ben Legler
Pacific Aster can thrive in a container
© Project SOUND
Pacific Aster: not for everywhere…
Best contained, as it is an aggressive competitor: Pots & planters Areas bounded by walks, or other
boundries Parking strips – if managed
Usually used in combination with native grasses, bulbs, sub-shrubs (Epilobium canum; Goldenrods) in native meadows; can be mowed back in fall
Appropriate for Cottage Gardens Good for stabilizing slopes
© 2005 Andrea Jesse
Excellent choice for butterfly gardens
© Project SOUND
Saltmarsh Fleabane – Pluchea odorata
http://www.kenbowles.net/SDWildflowers/FamilyIndexes/AsteraceaeDisciform/AsteraceaeDisciformKey.htm
© Project SOUND
Saltmarsh Fleabane –typical for genus
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
Size: 2-4 ft. tall 2-3 ft. wide
Growth form: sub-shrub Woody base; ends of stems are
herbaceous Upright growth habit Annual in colder climates;
perennial in ours Dies back in winter
Foliage: Pretty color; like Arrow-shaped leaves
Roots: fibrous; good soil-bindinghttp://www.kenbowles.net/SDWildflowers/FamilyIndexes/AsteraceaeDisciform/AsteraceaeDisciformKey.htm
© Project SOUND
Saltmarsh Fleabane does well in gardens… Soils:
Texture: any local – does very well in fine-textured soils (clays)
pH: any local, including alkali, salty
Light: Best in full sun with some water Fine with partial shade; not too
particular
Water: Winter: likes it’s water; plant in moist
areas of garden, rainswale, etc. Summer: quite flexible; looks better
with some to regular summer water (Zone 2/3 probably optimal; takes 3)
Fertilizer: fine with none; organic mulches work well (leaf mulch)
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Pretty little flowers Blooms: summer-fall; usually
in June to Oct. in western L.A. County
Flowers: Similar to Mule Fat – but
prettier; no separate male/female plants
Color: pink to lavender Many small flowers in dense
flat bunches – very showy Great fall butterfly and
other pollinator plant!
Vegetative reproduction: Slowly spreading; more with
regular water
http://www.kenbowles.net/SDWildflowers/FamilyIndexes/AsteraceaeDisciform/AsteraceaeDisciformKey.htm
© Project SOUND
Versatile in the garden Excellent choice for moist
places in garden: Stream or pond banks/edges Rain gardens/swales Areas with sprinkler drift
Fine with other natives needing similar water requirements – remember, dies back in winter
Showy choice for habitat/ butterfly garden; great with yellow fall-flowering plants
Does great in pots; give it an occasional dose of fertilizer or top-dress each spring
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=13929http://www.sibleynaturecenter.org/daytrips/naturetrail0709/index.html
Another pink-purple option: the Milkweeds
© Project SOUND
Indian milkweed – Asclepias eriocarpa Showy milkweed – Asclepias speciosa
Milkweeds are also larval food – so they are ‘two-for-one’ plants
Milkweeds make great insect habitat
Bees – many kinds including bumblebees
Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies)
Other insects: Flies Milkweed bugs Milkweed long-horned
beetle Yellow oleander aphids Many, many more
© Project SOUND
http://www.plantsofthesouthwest.com/Showy-Milkweedbri-Asclepias-speciosa/productinfo/P1180/
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/asclepias-speciosa
Indian Milkweed is a food source for butterflies and other insects
Photo by Gabi McLean http://www.natureathand.com/Gallery/Asclepias_eriocarpa_29025.htm
Variable checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas chalcedona)
http://www.californiagardens.com/Plant_Pages/Tarantula_Hawk.htm
Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis mildei)
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Asclepias%20eriocarpa
© Project SOUND
Showy Milkweed – Asclepias speciosa
Western N. America from Canada to Baja; throughout N. Ca, the Sierra foothills
Open areas at low elevations in dry to moist, loamy to sandy soil
Often in areas that are seasonally flooded or quite damp
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?583,586,599http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/floramw/species/asclspec.htm
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=14422
© Project SOUND
Showy Milkweed: a stout perennial Size:
2-5+ ft tall Spreading by rhizomes; often
forms a clump
Growth form: Drought/winter deciduous
perennial Stems stout, succulent, erect or
nearly so
Foliage: Leaves large 96-8 inches long),
gray-green, velvety Milky sap typical of Milkweeds Larval food, Monarch Butterflies
Roots: stout taproot; don’t move once established.© 2005, Ben Legler
© Project SOUND
Flowers are…showy! Blooms:
In summer: May-Sept usually July-Aug in our area
Flowers: Large compared to other
milkweeds ; sweet scent Pale pink or purple – in
dense, ball-like clusters Very showy in bloom – among
our prettiest perennials
Seeds: Relatively large, with silky
parachute (typical of milkweeds)
Seed pods are 3-5" long and are either spiny or smooth.
© 2005, Ben Legler
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: any, including clays pH: any local, including alkali
Light: Full sun to light shade
Water: Winter: good winter/spring
moisture; supplement if needed
Summer: variable once established; probably best as Zone 2 or 2-3 once established
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; light or no mulch (or inorganic)
Other: Spreads via rhizomes & seeds
(on bare ground). Protect from slugs & snails
http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/plant_display.asp?prodid=125&account=none
Cut back to the ground in late fall(native Californians would burn)
© Project SOUND
Showy Milkweed Shines In large pots, planters Mid- or back-bed in perennial
gardens Near birdbaths or water features Lovely massed Scented gardens
http://back40feet.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
http://plantlust.com/plants/asclepias-speciosa/
What butterflies will our plants attract?
The smaller butterflies like:• Skippers• Gray hairstreak
Larger butterflies like:• Whites• Ladies
• Red Admirals• Monarchs• Swallowtails
But what if our 3-6 containers are in an area that is part-shade?
© Project SOUND
http://www.fireangels.org/container-gardening-vegetable-spaces-rustic-with-black-bowl-planter-container/container-gardening-vegetable-spaces-rustic-with-black-bowl-planter-container/
Site characteristics Part-shade location Darker colored pots Hand water (or drip) –
whenever needed Planting medium:
whatever needed
Size limits: Six containers: each 18-
24” tall; 18-24” long; 18-24” deep
Characteristics of the plants for garden 2 Attracts butterflies
Part-shade adapted
Some heat tolerance (in a container)
Any water and drainage requirement, as long as those in an individual container are compatible
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of our plants: reality check
Root depth: less than 2 ft. (unless we increase the container depth)
Overall size: Height: probably less than 2
ft.; windows limit height to 1 ft. for some pots
Diameter: less than 2 ft. (larger if will drape or slightly larger if space allows)
Nice appearance much of the year
© Project SOUND
Butterfly plants that take part-sun
© Project SOUND
The Mint family Mentha (true mints) Monardella Stachys (Woodmints)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolia)
Diplacus/Mimulus/Erythranthe– the Monkeyflowers
Several others
Some butterfly choices for part-sun - mints
© Project SOUND
Name Blooms Size Water+ Soil Mentha arvensis(Wild mint)
WhiteSu
1-2 ft tallspreads 2 to 3 Any
Monardella linioides(Willowy monardella)
LavenderSu-F
1-2 ft tall1-3 ft w 2-3 to 3 Well-
drained
Monardella macrantha(Red monardella) Red 1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft w 2-3 to 3 Most
Monardella odoratissima(Mountain/Desert monardella)
LavenderSp-Su
1-3 ft tall1-3 ft w 2 Most
Monardella villosa(Coyote mint)
MagentaSp-Su
1-3 ft tall1-3 ft w 2 Well-
drained
Stachys bullata(CA Woodmint)
PinkSp-Su
1-2 ft tallspreads 2 to 3 Any
© Project SOUND
The genus Monardella
20 species native to western North America.
Commonly known as wildmints, coyote mints or monardellas.
Highly aromatic foliage; some species used for herbal teas.
Two-lipped, tubular flowers in terminal clusters; usually red, pink, or purple.
Caterpillar (moth and butterfly) foodplants; also nectar sources
Special needs: excellent drainage; cannot take excess winter dampness
http://www.laspilitas.com/butterfl_files/pale_swallowtail_butterfly_on_a_monardella.jpg
© Project SOUND
Willow Mint: a dainty perennial Size:
1-2 ft tall 2-3 ft wide; sprawling
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial Sprawling/draping Semi-deciduous;
evergreen with more water
Foliage: Narrow leaves Light green; very aromatic Makes a nice tea
Roots: taproot
© Project SOUND
Mountain/Desert Monardella – Monardella odoratissima
J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
The name (odoratissima) says it all Size:
1-2 (sometimes 3) ft tall 2-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from stout
woody taproot Many upright stems; sprawly when
young, then mounded
Foliage: Color: green to gray-green (hairy) Simple leaves Strong minty scent – great tea
(medicinal or ‘sipping tea’) Make a ‘kitchen extract’ for use in
baking, etc., etc.
© 2009 Terry Dye
Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/Pacific_Southwest/McGee/index.shtml
© Project SOUND
A showy Monardella Blooms:
Summer in the wilds Likely June-July in our area
Flowers: Pale pink to light magenta –
good colors for garden Flowers small – typical for
Monardellas Flowers in ball-like clusters
at ends of flowering stems Really showy Attracts many butterflies,
hummingbirds, many others
Seeds: small, typical for Mint family
© 2009 Terry Dye © 2011 Wynn Anderson
© Project SOUND
Likes a little shade Soils:
Texture: well-drained; sandy or rocky are fine
pH: any local
Light: Part-shade (morning sun)
works well Dappled shade under trees is
ideal
Water: Winter: good soakings Summer: happy with
occasional summer water (Zone 2, even 2-3 in well-drained soils)
Fertilizer: fine with organic amendments, mulches
© 2010 Julie Kierstead Nelson
Does fine at higher elevations;also thrives in Mother Nature’s Garden of Health (elevation < 100 ft. – Gardena CA)
© Project SOUND
Mountain Monardella: lovely
Under trees, as a groundcover Along partly shady walkways Shady edges of the vegetable
garden As an accent in large
containers In a rock or butterfly garden
© 2010 Steven Thorsted
Ssp. pallida
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Monardella_odoratissima_ssp._pallida&redirect=no
© Project SOUND
Coyote Mint – Monardella villosa
Distributed from the central coast, throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and into the north coast ranges.
Typically associated with dry, rocky locations in coastal scrub and woodland habitats near the coast. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4745,4789,4835,4839
© Project SOUND
Several ssp. of Coyote Mint
San Luis Obispo Coyote Mint (M. villosa var. obispoensis). It has round, gray leaves covered in soft white fuzz.
Mountain Coyote Mint (M. villosa var. villosa)most commonly available here
© 2001 Dean Wm. Taylor
ssp. franciscana
© 2006 Tom Cochrane ssp. globosa
ssp. villosa
© 2005 California Academy of Sciences ssp. obispoensis
© Project SOUND
Coyote Mint is quite variable
Size: 1-2 ft tall 2-4 ft wide, spreading
Growth form: evergreen perennial with many upright square stems, growing in colonies
Foliage: Bright green or gray green Leaves rounded or more
elongated Crushed foliage has minty
‘toothpaste-like’ fragrance
© Project SOUND
Showy mint flowers
Blooms: May-Aug. in S. Bay
Flowers: Dense heads of small
flowers; showy Color ranges from
lavender, rose-purple, to white
Long-blooming Attract a wide range of
butterflies, bees, other pollinators
Vegetative reproduction: natural layering
© Project SOUND
Coyote Mint Soils:
Texture: any well-drained
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: Winter: don’t let it get too wet Summer: best with slightly damp to
slightly dry sandy soil; don’t over-water – will make it leggy and decrease it’s lifespan – Water Zone 2 in pots
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils Other:
Pinch tips to promote fuller growth Shear back to about 1/3 of it’s volume in
fall/winter
If the plant loses its leaves to drought during the hot months, it will leaf out again with rain and cooler weather.
© Project SOUND
http://idoradesign.blogspot.com/2010/05/afternoon-in-anns-garden.html http://ocparkswildflowers.blogspot.com/
http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2010/08/august-bloom-day/
California woodmint (Hedgenettle) -Stachys bullata
CA coast from San Francisco to Orange Co.
Grows on: dry slopes and canyons in
chaparral and coastal sage scrub
partially-shaded canyons coast live oak riparian
forest sycamore riparian
woodland http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Stachys+bullata
Characteristics of CA Woodmint
Drought deciduous perennial herb; but does like water
Size: 2-4 ft high, 3-4 ft wide (spreading)
Foliage: Dark green, softly hairy,
“wrinkled” Scented: lemon-mint
Flowers: Pink to lavender-red, with white
markings on the lower lips Blooms Mar-May/June Attract bees, hummingbirds,
butterflies
Succeeding with Stachys bullata
Does best in part-shade
Plant in well-drained soils
While drought tolerant, does better with moderate water, and tolerates seasonal flooding
useful in north- and east-facing banks, rockwalls
Use it in woodland gardens or perennial gardens
Remember that it suckers freely – will spread moderately especially if watered – makes a good groundcover
http://biology.fullerton.edu/biol317/im/s03/ft2/ft20-47.html
What butterflies will our mints attract?
The smaller butterflies like:• Skippers• Gray hairstreak• Funereal Duskywing
Larger butterflies like:• Whites• Gulf Fritillary• Ladies
• Monarchs• Swallowtails
Some butterfly choices for part-sun – non-mint
© Project SOUND
Name Blooms Size Water+ Soil Achillea millefoliaYarrow
White Spr-Su
< 2 ftspreads 2 to 3 Any
Diplacus/Mimulus speciesShrubby monkeyflowers Many colors
Sp-Su2-3 ft tall2-3 ft w. 2 Any
Glandularia gooddingii*Southwest mock verbena Lilac
Spr-Su< 18 inchesspreads 2 to 3 Well-
drained
Sidalcea calycosa ssp. rhizomata*Pt. Reyes checkerbloom Magenta
Spr-Su
1-3 ft tall1-3 ft w. 2-3 to 3 Any
© Project SOUND
*Southwest mock verbena – Glandularia gooddingii
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GLGO
© Project SOUND
Flower-garden flowers
Blooms: in spring – usually Apr-June Flowering season depends on
moisture
Flowers: Violet or pale pink-purple In dense clusters at tops of stalks Very attractive – and also attract
hummingbirds and butterflies
Seeds: Plant untreated seeds in winter Needs light to germinate Best seeded in place Will reseed if happy
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/1163/glandularia-gooddingii-southwestern-mock-vervain/
© Project SOUND
Desert arroyo plant Soils:
Texture: well-drained a must pH: any local
Light: Full sun to part-shade; good heat
tolerance
Water: Winter: needs adequate;
supplement if needed Summer: best with occasional
summer water – Water Zone 2 (2-3 in pots) to keep green, blooming
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: No/inorganic mulch for reseeding Light pruning (deadheading)
after floweringhttp://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GLGO
© Project SOUND©2010 James M. Andre
http://www.amwua.org/pictures/gc-v-gooddingii-1.jpg
http://www.landscape-resources.com/portfolio/groundcoversx/pages/Verbena%20gooddingii-1.htm
N. CA coast - Mendocino, Marin, Sonoma Counties
Coastal Salt Marsh, wetland-riparian, freshwater marsh
Collected by M. K. Curran [1886 – Marin Co.], Alice Eastwood & Lester Rowntree
© Project SOUND
*Pt. Reyes Checkerbloom – Sidalcea calycosa ssp. rhizomata
©2013 Aaron Arthur
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/draw_tiny2.pl?0104000000
http://www.theheartofthehouse.com/2016/05/hwy-1-to-mendocino/
© Project SOUND
The showiest of the Calif. Checkerblooms Size:
1-3 ft tall 1-3 ft wide, sprawling
Growth form: Mostly evergreen, herbaceous
perennial Sprawling/creeping habit
Foliage: Bright to darker green; red-tinged
if drought/salt stressed Geranium-like leaves; rounded,
somewhat fleshy Young leaves edible – raw or cooked Larval food for Lady butterflies
Roots: spreads via rhizomes; ground cover potential
©2013 Aaron Arthur
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Sidalcea-calycosa-rhizomata/
© Project SOUND
Enchanting flowers
Blooms: spring & summer (Apr-Sep); water prolongs bloom period
Flowers: Typical, open Mallow shape
with 5, slightly-overlapping, translucent petals
Color: pastel pink-purple with white center
Flowers clustered along a flowering stalk – open serially
Attract hummingbirds, native bees and butterflies
Seeds: easy to grow from seed
http://www.answers.com/topic/dudleya©2011 Vernon Smith
© Project SOUND
Loves moist soils Soils: Texture: any - adaptable pH: any local
Light: best with afternoon shade or dappled sun in our area.
Water: Winter: moist ground;
supplement if needed Summer: best with regular
water – Water Zone 2-3 to 3; check pots regularly
Fertilizer: occasional light fertilizer is fine
Other: cut back when flowering ceases; vigorous grower in moist conditions
©2013 Aaron Arthur
This plant might do best in a glazed ceramic pot (with good drainage) in S. CA
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for In N. CA often used as shady
groundcover or around edible garden
In S. CA, best treated as a container plant, where moisture conditions can be met – lovely accent plant!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/7201649744
The Yarrows – horticultural plants extraordinaire
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Cultivated in Europe ??thousands of years
About half a dozen species are commonly grown as garden plants
Natural variation in color has been exploited – many named cultivars –yellow, pink, red, purple
Attract many different pollinators, including butterflies
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/Cornell_Herbaceous/plant_pages/Achilleamillefolium.html
Sticky monkeyflower – Diplacus/Mimulus aurantiacus
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36386822@N07/3458022529
© Project SOUND
Sticky monkeyflower: seasonal sub-shrub Size:
2-4 ft tall 2-5 ft wide
Growth form: Mounded to sprawling (with
age) sub-shrub Drought-deciduous Often short-lived (5-10 years)
Foliage: Bright to dark-green, glossy Leaves lance-shaped, sticky Young leaves are edible (cook) Important larval food for
Checkerspot butterflies
Roots: net-like; bind soil
© Project SOUND
Lovely flowers Blooms:
Spring-summer; usually Mar-Aug. in western L.A. County
Judicious summer water for summer blooms
Flowers: Typical monkeyflower shape,
with long, tubular neck Most commonly buff-colored;
some include those with other colors as sub-species
Attracts hummingbirds, large bee and long-tongued butterflies (esp. Checkerspots& Buckeyes)
© Project SOUND
Soils: Texture: most local; likes well-
drained soils, but adaptable pH: any local, including alkali
Light: Afternoon shade is best in most
gardens; full sun only along immediate
coast
Water: Winter: needs adequate;
supplement as needed Summer: occasional (1-2 times
per month – 2-3 per month in containers) OK; taper off in Aug.
Succeeding with Shrubby Monkeyflowers
Fertilizer: time-released in pots
Pruning the shrubby monkeyflowers
Prune back each fall to 18 inches or so; or prune back to ground every third year.
Can also tip-prune after spring bloom to encourage fall blooms
Propagate new plants from cuttings to replace old plants
© Project SOUND
Great u-tube video on pruning monkeyflowers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6b1whxy3h8
Butterflies that might come to the part-shade garden?
The smaller butterflies like:• Skippers• Gray hairstreak• Funereal Duskywing• Blues
Larger butterflies like:• Whites• Gulf Fritillary• Ladies
• Monarchs• Swallowtails• ?others
Perhaps you have a more space – but still want to use containers to attract butterflies
© Project SOUND
https://www.crateandbarrel.com/blog/container-garden-ideas/
Crate & Barrel and other companies offer a wide range of wonderful containers
Achieving adequate floral coverage in each season: it takes some thought if space is limited
Flower patches: at least 3 ft x 3 ftper species – the bigger the better A few well-chosen plant species
might be better than many Most bang for buck: shrubs vs. annual
wildflowers (depends on situation)
Likely will need to use vertical space Some shrubs and trees are quite
adaptable to small/narrow spaces Lots of ‘flowering area’ with a small
footprint
One yard/garden can’t do it all -“it takes a neighborhood”
© Project SOUND
Garden 3: Containers but larger, more
© Project SOUND
Allow you to grow more flowering plants – plus some larval food plants (if desired)
© Project SOUND
If you were a caterpillar what would you like to eat?
Readily accessible
Succulent
Easy to digest
Non-toxic
Not too protected: hairs, secretions, etc.
Larval (caterpillar) food plants are often very specific – you need to plant the larval food plants for the species you want to attract
Cruciferous vegetables: larval food for White Butterflies
© Project SOUND
Cabbage White
Common Checkered White
But there are other larval/adult plants to try in larger containers
Asclepias (Milkweeds) Atriplex (Saltbushes) Chenopodia (Goosefeet) Diplacus/Mimulus (Monkeyflowers) Some Eriogonum (Buckwheats) Galium (Bedstraws) Grasses (most native species) Pseudognaphalium (Everlastings) Sphaeralcea (Desert Mallow) Sidalcea (Checkerblooms) Annuals/perennials like Urtica
(nettles), Thistle (Cirsiumoccidentale), Plantains (Plantago)
Desert and other hot, dry areas of the American Southwest down into N. Mexico.
In CA, in San Joaquin Valley and margins and desert mountains/foothills
Alkaline flats, dry lakes, often in clays Warm desert shrub communities (creosote
bush, ambrosia, shadscale, mesquite, saltgrass, etc.)
© Project SOUND
*Allscale (Cattle) saltbush – Atriplex polycarpa
©2009 California State University, Stanislaus ©2013 Jean Pawek
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415595
© Project SOUND
Allscale saltbush: desert sub-shrub Size:
3-5 ft tall 3-5 ft wide
Growth form: Mounded sub-shrub; can be kept
somewhat rounded by pruning Evergreen except in extreme
drought
Foliage: Color: pale to blue-green Leaves small, oblong; excrete
salt Larval food for Pygmy and
other Blue butterflies
Roots: net-like; some may be deep
©2013 Jean Pawek
© Project SOUND
Flowers: under-stated Blooms:
Mostly in summer Rain/irrigation can extend
flowering season (spring to fall)
Flowers: Small, mostly golden – typical
of saltbushes Nothing to write home about
Seeds: Eaten by birds and wildlife Were roasted, ground and
eaten as famine food©2013 Jean Pawek
©2009 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
Desert wash plant Soils:
Texture: sandy to clay, well-drained soils in nature. Adaptable in garden
pH: any local (7.0-9.0); alkali, salty soils are fine
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: needs adequate Summer: very drought tolerant,
but looks best with occasional water (Water Zone 1-2 to 2; Zone 2 in containers)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; in containers, ½ strength dose, spring
Other: Inorganic mulch Trim back up to ½ late fall
© Project SOUND
Garden uses Atriplexpolycarpa
As a background to mid-ground habitat shrub: insects, Blue Butterflies, birds eating seeds, insects
As a hedge (formal to informal) In large containers©2009 Neal Kramer
https://www.pinterest.com/asilvertoca/plants-with-favorable-fire-performance-rating/ http://snowbirdpix.com/sonoran_desert_plant_page.php?id=1352
So what’s the deal about Western Pygmy Blue butterflies?
Brephidium exilis
The smallest N. American butterfly (often ~ ½ inch wingspan)
Adults feed on many flowers
Larvae feed on pigweed, goosefoot, Russian thistle (‘Tumbleweed’) or saltbush (Atriplex spp.)
Most of these are either weeds or too large (Coast Quailbush)
Plant the larval food plants and they will come
© Project SOUND
http://cdn.playbuzz.com/cdn/2647263a-583c-4119-8738-09a6f9aff255/7fba1ed2-69e4-472e-994d-8b5690b652e6.jpg
http://blog.growingwithscience.com/2014/11/bug-of-the-week-western-pygmy-blue-butterfly/
Native buckwheats attract tons of pollinators, including butterflies
© Project SOUND
Marine Blue Butterfly
Can I really grow buckwheats in large containers?
© Project SOUND
Probably yes, if the pots are large and you choose carefully
Three Eriogonums I’d try (in large sunny pots)
Red buckwheat – E. grande rubescens
California buckwheat – E. fasciculatum
Ashyleaf buckwheat – E. cinerium
Native Buckwheats are such good pollinator habitat that it’s probably worth the gamble
© Project SOUND
Summary suggestions for creating a butterfly-friendly garden
Include important nectar and larval food plants; when possible from local sources
Mass/group plants Include plants that bloom at
different times Consider including some good non-
native food plants
Use safe methods of insect control – no pesticides
Several things to do in July for butterflies
Attend butterfly events at Madrona, El Dorado, Gardena Willows and other places
Learn more about local butterflies; review past ‘Out of the Wilds’ butterfly talks
Watch butterflies in your garden; draw, paint or photograph them
Evaluate your garden for it’s butterfly habitat potential; supplement as appropriate
Talk to your friends and neighbors about butterflies
© Project SOUND
Buy a butterfly plant and plant it in a pot (I’ve got a few today)
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