Trees That Feed Butterfly Larvae
Often gardeners speak in uncomplimentary terms when they discuss the worms that feed on their ornamental plants. However, if you are to attract butterflies to your landscape, you must feed their offspring. The caterpillar, looper, or green worm that feasts on the leaves of your trees is destined to grow up to be that beautiful butterfly, or at the very least a moth that flutters about your yard. Here are some of the more likely feeding stations for these hungry little fellows. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, there are more than 150 species of butterflies found in Oregon, some only on the drier east side and about 20 percent found only on the west.
Botanical Name |
Common Name |
Zone |
| Maple |
(Acer spp.) |
All PNW |
| Horse chestnut |
(Aesculus spp.) |
Varies |
| Alder |
(Alnus oregona) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
| Madrone |
(Arbutus menziesii) |
All PNW |
| Birch |
(Betula spp.) |
All PNW |
| Dogwood |
(Comus spp.) |
Varies |
| Hawthorn |
(Crataegus spp.) |
All PNW |
| Apple |
(Malus spp.) |
All PNW |
| Crabapple |
(Malus spp.) |
All PNW |
| Pine |
(Pinus spp.) |
All PNW |
| Sycamore |
(Platanus spp.) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
| Poplar |
(Populus spp.) |
All PNW |
| Cottonwood |
(Populus trichocarpa) |
All PNW |
| Cherry |
(Prunus spp.) |
Varies |
| Douglas fir |
(Pseudotsuga menziesii) |
All PNW |
| Oak |
(Quercus spp.) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
| Willow |
(Salix spp.) |
All PNW |
| Elm |
(Ulmus spp.) |
All PNW |
|
