Butterfly or Moth Host Plants
Take your butterfly and moth gardening up a notch and plant butterfly and moth host plants. These plants are where butterflies and moths lay their eggs. Once hatched, the caterpillars will exclusively feed off these plants until they form their chrysalis. Each species of butterfly or moth uses different plants as their host plant. Add a variety of host plants to your garden to attract the most butterfly diversity.
Not every butterfly-attracting plant needs to be a host plant. To see other plants that will attract butterflies, explore here.
FILTER THE ITEMS ON THIS PAGE BY:
Plant Type
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Type
Genus
Common Name
Light Requirement
Flower Color
Bloom Time
Height
Uses
Resistance
![Zizia aurea Golden Alexander 2025 Native Plant of the Year](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Zizia-aurea-Golden-Alexander-2025-Native-Plant-of-the-Year.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Zizia aurea – Golden Alexander Zizia aurea – Golden Alexander](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Zizia-aurea-600x600.jpg)
Zizia aurea – Golden Alexander
2025 Native Plant of the Year - gorgeous, easy, and, most importantly, supports pollinators and wildlife.
![Asclepias incarnata Cinderella Swamp Milkweed flower](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Asclepias-incarnata-Cinderella-Swamp-Milkweed-flower-2.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Asclepias Incarnata – Cinderella Swamp Milkweed Asclepias Incarnata – Cinderella Swamp Milkweed](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Asclepias-incarnata-Cinderella-Swamp-Milkweed-flower.jpg)
Asclepias Incarnata – Cinderella Swamp Milkweed
A beautiful selection of our Missouri native.
![](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Asclepias-Ice-Ballet.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Asclepias incarnata – Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata – Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Asclepias-incarnata-Ice-Ballet-Swamp-Milkweed-400x400.jpg)
Asclepias incarnata – Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed
Brilliant white, long-lasting vanilla-scented blossoms.
![](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Find-Asclepias-incarnata-Swamp-Milkweed-at-Sugar-Creek-Gardens.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Asclepias incarnata – Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata – Swamp Milkweed](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Asclepias-incarnata-600x600.jpg)
Asclepias incarnata – Swamp Milkweed
Missouri and Illinois native with clouds of pink blossoms.
![Asclepias-syriaca-Common-Milkweed](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Asclepias-syriaca-Common-Milkweed-closeup-e1607869604523.jpg?resize=526%2C531&ssl=1)
![Asclepias syriaca – Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca – Common Milkweed](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Asclepias-syriaca-Common-Milkweed.jpg)
Asclepias syriaca – Common Milkweed
Essential host plant for Monarch caterpillars. Mo Bot Garden's Plant of Merit winner.
![Find Asclepias tuberosa Milkweed at Sugar Creek Gardens](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Find-Asclepias-tuberosa-Milkweed-at-Sugar-Creek-Gardens-2.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly Milkweed](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Asclepias-tuberosa-Butterfly-Weed-600x600.jpg)
Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly Milkweed
#1 best selling Missouri native perennial.
![Aster divaricatus Eurybia divaricata White Wood Aster](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Aster-divaricatus-Eurybia-divaricata-White-Wood-Aster-2.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Aster divaricatus – White Wood Aster Aster divaricatus – White Wood Aster](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Aster-divaricatus-Eurybia-divaricata-White-Wood-Aster-1.jpg)
Aster divaricatus – White Wood Aster
You'll believe it's snowing in summer with this Missouri native.
![Aster novae-angliae New England Aster](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-England-Aster-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Aster novae angliae – New England Aster Aster novae angliae – New England Aster](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-England-Aster-600x600.jpg)
Aster novae angliae – New England Aster
A butterfly favorite and Missouri and Illinois native perennial.
![Aster oblongifolium Aromatic Aster 25](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Aster-oblongifolium-Aromatic-Aster-25.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Aster oblongifolium – Aromatic Aster Aster oblongifolium – Aromatic Aster](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Aster-oblongifolium-Aromatic-Aster-22.jpg)
Aster oblongifolium – Aromatic Aster
Important Missouri native pollinator plant.
![Baptisia Aurora False Indigo find at Sugar Creek Gardens 7](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Baptisia-Aurora-False-Indigo-find-at-Sugar-Creek-Gardens-7.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Baptisia – Aurora False Indigo Baptisia – Aurora False Indigo](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Baptisia-Aurora-False-Indigo-find-at-Sugar-Creek-Gardens.jpg)
![Baptisia Lunar Eclipse False Indigo find at Sugar Creek Gardens 1](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Baptisia-Lunar-Eclipse-False-Indigo-find-at-Sugar-Creek-Gardens-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Baptisia – Lunar Eclipse False Indigo Baptisia – Lunar Eclipse False Indigo](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Baptisia-Lunar-Eclipse-False-Indigo-find-at-Sugar-Creek-Gardens-4.jpg)
Baptisia – Lunar Eclipse False Indigo
Dramatic multi-toned spires of white, icy-blue to deep blue, long-lived perennial.
![Baptisia spaerocarpa Yellow Wild Indigo](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Baptisia-spaerocarpa-Yellow-Wild-Indigo-3-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Baptisia sphaerocarpa – Yellow Wild Indigo Baptisia sphaerocarpa – Yellow Wild Indigo](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Baptisia-spaerocarpa-Yellow-Wild-Indigo.jpg)
Baptisia sphaerocarpa – Yellow Wild Indigo
Spectacular Missouri wildflower.
![Callirhoe involucrata Wincups Missouri Native Perennial](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Callirhoe-involucrata-Wincups-Missouri-Native-Perennial.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Callirhoe involucrata – Purple Poppy Mallow Callirhoe involucrata – Purple Poppy Mallow](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Callirhoe-involucrata-Wincups-Missouri-Native-Perennial-2.jpg)
Callirhoe involucrata – Purple Poppy Mallow
2019 Native of the Year. Long-blooming native Illinois and Missouri ground cover.
![Carex albicans Oak Sedge](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Carex-albicans-Oak-Sedge.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Carex albicans – Oak Sedge – White-Tinged Sedge Carex albicans – Oak Sedge – White-Tinged Sedge](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Carex-albicans-White-Tinged-Sedge-600x600.jpg)
Carex albicans – Oak Sedge – White-Tinged Sedge
Fantastic native sedge for dry shade.
![Carex eburnea Bristle Leaf Sedge](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carex-eburnea-Bristle-Leaf-Sedge-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Carex eburnea – Bristle Leaf Sedge Carex eburnea – Bristle Leaf Sedge](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carex-eburnea-Bristle-Leaf-Sedge-2.jpg)
Carex eburnea – Bristle Leaf Sedge
Looks like grass but no mowing required, shade lover.
![Cephalanthus occentidalis Buttonbush](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Cephalanthus-occentidalis-Buttonbush.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Cephalanthus occidentalis – Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis – Buttonbush](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Cephalanthus-occentidalis-Buttonbush-3.jpg)
Cephalanthus occidentalis – Buttonbush
A pollinator powerhouse plant!
![Chionanthus virginicus Fring Tree](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Chionanthus-virginicus-Fring-Tree.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Chionanthus virginicus – Fringe Tree Chionanthus virginicus – Fringe Tree](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Chionanthus-virginicus-Fringe-Tree-600x600.jpg)
Chionanthus virginicus – Fringe Tree
Missouri native tree with elaborate blooms.
![Coeopsis lanceolata Lance Leaf Coreopsis 2021 Native Plant of the Year](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Coeopsis-lanceolata-Lance-Leaf-Coreopsis-2021-Native-Plant-of-the-Year.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Coreopsis lanceolata – Lance Leaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata – Lance Leaf Coreopsis](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Coreopsis-lanceolata-Lance-Leaf-Coreopsis-600x600.jpg)
Coreopsis lanceolata – Lance Leaf Coreopsis
Named 2021 Missouri Native Plant Of The Year for its outstanding qualities.
![Echinacea Artisan Yellow Ombre Coneflower AAS Winner](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Echinacea-Artisan-Yellow-Ombre-Coneflower-AAS-Winner.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Echinacea – Artisan Yellow Ombre Coneflower Echinacea – Artisan Yellow Ombre Coneflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Echinacea-Artisan-Yellow-Ombre-Coneflower-3.jpg)
Echinacea – Artisan Yellow Ombre Coneflower
Major award winner with prolific golden blooms, sun perennial.
![Echinacea Cheyenne Sprit award winner Coneflower](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Echinacea-Cheyenne-Sprit-award-winner-Coneflower.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Echinacea – Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower Echinacea – Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Echinacea-Cheyenne-Spirit-landscape-600x600.jpg)
Echinacea – Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower
Fabulous colors, winner of major awards.
![Echinacea Pretty Parasols Coneflower](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Echinacea-Pretty-Parasols-Coneflower-8.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Echinacea – Pretty Parasols Coneflower Echinacea – Pretty Parasols Coneflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Echinacea-Pretty-Parasols-Coneflower-6-600x600.jpg)
Echinacea – Pretty Parasols Coneflower
5+ months of striking two-toned blossoms. Staff favorite.
![Echinacea Sunseeker Rainbow Coneflower](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Echinacea-Sunseeker-Rainbow-Coneflower.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Echinacea – SunSeekers Rainbow Coneflower Echinacea – SunSeekers Rainbow Coneflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Echinacea-Sunseeker-Rainbow-Coneflower-2-600x600.jpg)
Echinacea – SunSeekers Rainbow Coneflower
Hues of pink, blush, coral, lavender, salmon and more.
![Echinacea White Swan](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Echinacea-White-Swan.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![Echinacea – White Swan Coneflower Echinacea – White Swan Coneflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Echinacea-White-Swan-Coneflower-11.jpg)
Echinacea – White Swan Coneflower
The long time favorite white.
![Echinacea paradoxa Ozark Coneflower](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Echinacea-paradoxa-Yellow-Coneflower.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Echinacea paradoxa – Ozark Coneflower Echinacea paradoxa – Ozark Coneflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Echinacea-paradoxa-Ozark-Coneflower-300x300.jpg)
Echinacea paradoxa – Ozark Coneflower
A rare Missouri native perennial.
![Find Echinacea purpurea Coneflower at Sugar Creek Gardens](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Find-Echinacea-purpurea-Coneflower-at-Sugar-Creek-Gardens.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Echinacea-purpurea-Purple-Coneflower-2-600x600.jpg)
Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower
Gorgeous Missouri native perennial for natural and formal settings.
![Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Eryngium-yuccifolium-Rattlesnake-Master-3.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Eryngium yuccifolium – Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium – Rattlesnake Master](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Eryngium-yuccifolium-Rattlesnake-Master-3.jpg)
Eryngium yuccifolium – Rattlesnake Master
Tough and unique Missouri and Illinois native for hot, dry areas.
![Heliopsis helianthoides Missouri Sunflower](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Heliopsis-helianthoides-Missouri-Sunflower.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Heliopsis helianthoides – Oxeye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides – Oxeye Sunflower](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hibiscus-Blue-Chiffon.jpg)
Heliopsis helianthoides – Oxeye Sunflower
Popular Missouri native with people and pollinators.
![Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly St. Louis Missouri](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Spicebush-Swallowtail-Butterfly-St.-Louis-Missouri.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Lindera benzoin – Spicebush Lindera benzoin – Spicebush](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Lindera-ben-2.jpg)
Lindera benzoin – Spicebush
Illinois and Missouri native host plant to Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly.
Penstemon pallidus – Pale Beardtongue
An important food source for pollinators.
![Pycanthemum multicum Blunt Mountain Mint top choice](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Pycanthemum-multicum-Blunt-Mountain-Mint-top-choice.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Pycnanthemum muticum – Blunt Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum muticum – Blunt Mountain Mint](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Pycanthemum-multicum-Blunt-Mountain-Mint-1.jpg)
Pycnanthemum muticum – Blunt Mountain Mint
Top choice to attract butterflies and more, multiple award winner. Missouri Botanical Garden Plant of Merit, Perennial Plant Association 2025 Perennial of the Year.
![Rudbeckia hirta Black Eyed Susan 3](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Rudbeckia-hirta-Black-Eyed-Susan-3.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
![Rudbeckia hirta – Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta – Black-Eyed Susan](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Rudbeckia-hirta-Black-Eyed-Susan-2.jpg)
Rudbeckia hirta – Black-Eyed Susan
An easy to grow Missouri native.
Actea racemosa – Cimicifuga racemosa – Fairy Candles
Our most enchanting Missouri and Illinois native plant.
Amelanchier – Autumn Brilliance Apple Serviceberry
Award-winning small tree with multi-season interest.
Amelanchier – Spring Glory Serviceberry
A tidy well-formed tree with beautiful white flowers.
Amelanchier alnifolia – Obelisk Downy Serviceberry
Upright narrow form of Serviceberry, perfect for small spots.
Amelanchier arborea Downy Serviceberry
Colorful year round with flowers, berries, foliage and bark.
Amelanchier laevis, Allegheny Serviceberry
Native plant with showy multi-seasonal interest.
Amorpha fruticosa – False Indigo Bush
Fragrant purple and orange spikes attract many butterflies!
Antennaria dioica Rubra – Red Pussytoes
Fun red flowers in the shape of a cat's paw.
Antennaria neglecta – Field Pussytoes
Grows anywhere--sun, shade, even dry shade.
Antennaria plantaginifolia – Pussytoes
Missouri and Illinois native with fun flowers shaped like a cat's paw.
Apios americana – Groundnut Vine
Missouri native vine for shade.
Aristolochia tomentosa – Dutchman’s Pipe
Pipe shaped blossoms on rapidly growing native vine.
Aruncus dioicus – Goat’s Beard
Top Missouri native perennial for shade.
Asclepias perennis – Aquatic Millkweed
An important food source for Monarch butterflies and other flying gems.
Asclepias sullivantii – Prairie Milkweed
Important food source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
![Asclepias verticillata, Whorled Milkweed](https://i0.wp.com/sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Asclepias-verticillata-Whorled-Milkweed-closeup-e1608070004996.jpg?resize=532%2C529&ssl=1)
![Asclepias verticillata – Whorled Milkweed Asclepias verticillata – Whorled Milkweed](https://sugarcreekgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Asclepias-verticillata-Whorled-Milkweed-field-view-1-600x600.jpg)
Asclepias verticillata – Whorled Milkweed
Important food source for Monarch butterflies.
Asclepias viridis – Green Milkweed
A Missouri and Illinois fascinating native perennial.
Asimina – Allegheny Peterson Pawpaw Tree
A favorite of the Peterson Pawpaws.
Asimina – Pennsylvania Golden Pawpaw Tree
Extra sweet fruit.
Asimina – Shenandoah Peterson Pawpaw Tree
Abundant tasty fruit can be up to one pound in weight.
Asimina Mango Pawpaw Tree
The most vigorous fastest growing Paw Paw.
Asimina triloba – Pawpaw Tree
2022 Tree Of the Year, Missouri's Official State Fruit Tree
Aster cordifolius – Blue Wood Aster
Shade loving Missouri native with clouds of rich blue flowers.
Aster laevis – Smooth Aster
Billowing panicles of soft blue flowers in autumn.
Aster oolentagiensis – Sky Blue Aster
A top favorite of gardeners and critters.
Baptisia alba – White Wild Indigo
A tough Missouri native perennial.
Baptisia australis – Blue Indigo
A Missouri native adored for its indigo blossoms.
Baptisia bracteata – Cream Wild Indigo
Easy to grow Missouri native perennial.
Betula – Fox Valley Dwarf River Birch – Little King Dwarf River Birch Tree
Extremely showy peeling bark.
Callirhoe bushii – Bush’s Poppy Mallow
Missouri native perennial with brilliant blossoms.
Carex grayi – Gray Sedge
Fun and funky Missouri native sedge.
Carex muskingumensis – Palm Sedge
Popular Missouri and Illinois native sedge.
Carex pensylvanica – Pennsylvania Sedge or Oak Sedge
Native Sedge ideal for shade to deep shade where nothing else will grow.
Carex vulpinoidea, Fox Sedge
Thrives in wet spots.
Carpinus caroliniana – American Hornbeam
Award-winning native tree for understory plantings.
Carya illinonensis, Pecan Tree
Large Missouri and Illinois native tree that produces delicious edible nuts.
Carya laciniosa – Shellbark Hickory
Showy bark, edible nuts on this pretty native tree.
Carya ovata – Shagbark Hickory
Showy bark, edible nuts on this pretty native tree.
Ceanothus americanus – New Jersey Tea
Fragrant flowers on small native shrub, butterflies and more adore it.
Cephalanthus – Crimson Comets Buttonbush
A selection of our Missouri native with excellent fall color.
Cephalanthus – Magical Moonlight Buttonbush
Dwarf variety of Missouri Native. Showy flowers beloved by native wildlife.
Cephalanthus Fiber Optics Buttonbush
Dwarf variety of Missouri native. Showy flowers beloved by native wildlife.
Cercis – Forest Pansy Redbud
Glossy purple heart shaped leaves and vibrant flowers.
Cercis – Pink Pom Poms Redbud Tree
Fascinating flowers on mini tree.
Cercis – Ruby Falls Redbud
Weeping dwarf with elegant purple heart-shaped leaves and vibrant flowers.
Cercis canadensis – Eastern Redbud
Showy flowers on this easy native tree.
Chasmanthium latifolium – Northern Sea Oats
Bring beautiful form to your shade garden.
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