Roston Native Butterfly House

Monarchs rely on milkweed to feed their larvae, and they're not the only ones for which milkweed is a host plant (soldiers and queens also use it, for example). But what other species of plants play this vital role for North American butterflies?⁠
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This Pearl Crescent's host species are primarily asters (Symphiotrichum spp.), like the ones seen here. Great-spangled and Regal Fritillaries use violets as host plants, Painted Ladies use thistles (Cirsium spp.) and mallows (Malva spp.), and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails utilize plants in the magnolia (Magnoliaceae) and rose (Rosaceae) families.⁠
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Eastern Commas and Question Marks rely on elms (Ulmus spp.) among other potential host plants, while Viceroys use willows (Salix spp.) or aspens (Populus spp.) as host plants.⁠
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If you're looking to help butterflies near you, consider adding some of these species to your garden or yard. There are countless other butterflies out there that we haven't listed, so do some research on the butterflies you'd like to see more of near you, and get to planting!⁠
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Photo: Erin Huggins/Flickr CC BY 2.0
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The Roston Native Butterfly House is starting to really ramp up with things all a’flutter! Here are just a few beautiful observations from 06/03/2026. Plan to visit soon!

We open at 10:00 AM daily and close at dusk, weather permitting. Always free, although donations are appreciated.