Texas produces more CO2 than most NATIONS do! We are also on the migratory route of the Monarch. Whether you think global warming is man-made or not , we should at least plant butterfly friendly plants, I think--don't you? What are the best ones for North Texas?
Texas, global warming, and butterflies
Josephine, known as frostweed, is an expert on this subject. Maybe she will post later. I think she is at the Nature Garden on Thursday.
Troy, I am not sure if you want to know about native plants or just butterfly friendly plants in general. If you want to attract monarchs the Mexican milkweed, Asclepia curassavica is the best plant in this area, although all the milkweeds are excellent, this one has a very strong attraction for them, it is not a native but has naturalized in Texas, plus it is easy to grow. They use it as larval and nectar food, so it serves a double duty.
I recently wrote an article for DG about building a native plant butterfly garden, it may help to read it.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/89/
Please let me know if I can be of more help to you.
Josephine.
Yes! I agree! Actually, more butterfly host plants and nectar plants in general. Pick some butterfly species (but check and make sure they actually are in your area at some time of year) that you want to see and help out and find out what they need. I haven't heard anyone that's done it who was sorry they did.
I have zinnias, marigolds, and liatris that butterflies are attracted to this time of year.
I've noticed several butterflies in my back yard since I got things blooming. I'd put in two passifloras -- and just last week saw Gulf Fritillaries, both adult and larval. Swallowtails, monarchs, and those yellow ones I can't recall the name of are back there. They seem to love zinnias and portulaca.
Those neon yellow ones love the Partridge Pea. This butterfly has been all over the sawleaf daisies. Does anyone know which one it is?
it is Gulf Fritillary, http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1664
Forgot, I have a big pot of parsley and the swallowtail cats have been all over it. The hummers are enjoying the turks cap and Mexican heather. Two large passiflora and the Gulf Fruts are in love with them....there goes one now.
bronc, the larvae look just like the butterfuly -- same orange, but instead of black spots it has black spikes all over it. Really a cool little critter.