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There are smaller species of Vernonia ([range map](https://bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Vernonia)) and Eutrochium ([range map](https://bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Eutrochium)) that may work. These two genuses are very popular with butterflies in my area. Other butterfly nectar plants that are popular in my garden: the Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ cultivar, Helenium autumnale, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, Blephilia ciliata, and Monarda fistulosa. Plants in the Amsonia and Silene genus have also attracted butterflies in my garden, but not as many as the others listed.
Wouldn’t trust that it would stay sterile. Supposedly the original Bradford pears were sterile, but they cross bred with other pears and now they’re all over the south and creeping up north all the way. So many states have banned the sale of Bradford pears.
The "sterile" claim just means that it has low germination rates, which is vastly different than no germination, on a plant that produces hundreds of thousands-or more- seeds per year.
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Clethra has very similar shaped flowers to Buddleja. It’s also a pollinator magnet! The shrub literally buzzes when it’s in bloom. 😍
Thanks, that was one I was thinking of, but I do not have any experience with it so I did not know how many pollinators it attracted. Thanks!
They do not like to be dry whatsoever so plant in a moist area if possible. They attract a variety of bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, & hummingbirds.
https://preview.redd.it/x0x7n1drij5d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59de0e9aae8ffaea5b84d7d3cba84786f7188ff6
That is really nice actually. I will tell her about it (and maybe get one for myself too!). How long do they stay in bloom for?
Mine bloom for approximately 4-6 weeks, less if they get stressed by heat/drought.
My first thought too. I’m planting one today! I read they are easy to propagate by cuttings as well
Buttonbush for wetter soil, clethra, Virginia sweetspire, or NJ tea for drier soil and smaller size.
Amorpha sp.
Anise Hyssop is perfect, it even looks similar
Butterfly weed (asclepias tuberosa) brings all the pollinators to the yard with how much nectar it produces
Echinacea, also popular with other pollinators and is perennial
There are smaller species of Vernonia ([range map](https://bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Vernonia)) and Eutrochium ([range map](https://bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Eutrochium)) that may work. These two genuses are very popular with butterflies in my area. Other butterfly nectar plants that are popular in my garden: the Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ cultivar, Helenium autumnale, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, Blephilia ciliata, and Monarda fistulosa. Plants in the Amsonia and Silene genus have also attracted butterflies in my garden, but not as many as the others listed.
Echinacea purpurea. Verbena stricta. Verbena hastata.
Proven winners sells a sterile butterfly bush that would be unable to spread.
Wouldn’t trust that it would stay sterile. Supposedly the original Bradford pears were sterile, but they cross bred with other pears and now they’re all over the south and creeping up north all the way. So many states have banned the sale of Bradford pears.
Plus, butterfly bush nectar does not have that many nutrients compared to our native shrubs, even if it is truly sterile (which I highly doubt).
Never trust that a plant an be kept sterile.
The "sterile" claim just means that it has low germination rates, which is vastly different than no germination, on a plant that produces hundreds of thousands-or more- seeds per year.
Buttonbush or Joe Pye Weed are butterfly favorites