Butterflies are a breath of beauty fluttering by, they are mystery chronicled
upon wing, they bring forth the grace and wonder of this world to our eyes everyday
~K. D’Angelo
California Butterfly Dreamin'
An Article on Butterfly Gardening in Southern California by Kristen
D'Angelo
Featured in the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Gardener
Vol. 13 Issue 1, Spring 2008
Ever dreamed of the land where palm trees sway? Well, if you're a butterfly
enthusiast, there is much more than surf and sand to keep your imagination busy
where Southern California is concerned and as for the butterfly gardener, Southern
California is a dream come true.
Tiny
Blues mimicking the sky visit coastal sage scrub and chaparral as a Cloudless
Sulphur flutters by like a bit of harnessed sunshine. Gulf Fritillaries romance
a passion vine while California Sisters dance among the shaded oaks. A weary
monarch hangs with his fellow travelers, warmed and sheltered by the surrounding
eucalyptus groves.
With elevations ranging from below sea level in the low deserts to 11,500 feet
at the mountain peaks, Southern California is a beautiful and diverse place.
Year round it plays host to a colorful array of butterfly species. The myriad
of habitats offered attracts both resident and migrant butterflies who, depending
on their needs, enjoy the coastal plains, deserts, mountains and even backyard
gardens that traverse the land. As in most places, when butterfly gardening in
Southern California, specific plants should be chosen in order to attract the
butterflies that frequent ones local native plant communities. There are a variety
of nice drought tolerant species indigenous to Southern California.
Many
of these lovely plants act as both a host and nectar source for visiting butterflies.
They are favorites of the Southern California butterfly gardener and nectar/host
seeker alike. California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) is one such
species. Its dainty flower heads seem to last forever, changing from a soft pink
hue in spring to a crimson brown in fall. While in bloom it is magnet for nectar
lovers of all types. The many native butterflies, including a variety of Coppers
and Blues, who use this popular plant as their host, most definitely learn to
share and share alike!
Evergreen,
fragrant, and colorful, California Lilac (Ceanothus) is also adored
by the local frequent flyers. In early spring this hardy shrub displays sweet
blooms of blue attracting many. Among them are the Pale Swallowtail, the Spring
Azure, and the Brown Elfin, all of whom call this plant their host.
A
member of the Sunflower Family, Pearly Everlasting (Gnaphalium californicum),
blankets the rolling hills, blooming from January until July. It is the preferred
host plant of the American Painted Lady. Within its wooly hairs and tiny white "pearly" heads
her offspring cozily make their home.
Use
it's host, False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa), to lure California's
official state butterfly, the California Dogface, into your garden. The male
of this species is quite distinctive with his poodle-faced forewings, but good
luck trying to catch a glimpse of his unique markings as he rarely lands with
his wings open.
One knows springtime has arrived in Southern California when the sunny yellow
flowers of Deerweed (Lotus scoparius) begin to brighten the hillsides. Plant
this tenacious bloomer and before long you can expect to have the company of
such host seekers as the Bramble Hairstreak, the Silvery Blue, and the Funereal
Duskywing.
Female Monarchs and Queens are drawn to the plush white-rose colored star clusters
characteristic of one of Southern California's natives, Indian Milkweed (Asclepias
eriocarpa). As a result of this attraction, its broad velvety leaves are
often adorned in the black, yellow, and white stripes of hungry resident caterpillars.
Looking
to entice some other ladies into your garden, use Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus
fasciculatus) and Bush Lupine (Lupinus longiflorus). Both flaunt
attractive flowers and are host plants for several butterflies, including the
West Coast Lady and Melissa Blue, respectively.
Common Rue (Ruta graveolensis) also a good addition to any Southern
California butterfly garden. Female Giant Swallowtails will gladly use it as
a host plant, which makes local citrus growers happy too.
Sticky
Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus ), host for the Buckeye, Bush Sunflower
(Encelia californica), host for the Checkerspot, and Desert Senna (Senna
Armata), host for the Cloudless Sulphur, are three more fine flora worthy of
mention. To catch the eye of all interested passer-byers, include these flowering
favorites in your garden.
If
ample room is available, consider the Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis),
host for the Lorquin's Admiral, the Mourning Cloak, and the Western Tiger Swallowtail.
The
Coast Live Oak (Quercas agrifolia), which hosts the California Sister
and the Mournful Duskywing, is also a noble addition to any garden setting. These
striking native trees not only serve as host plants for several local butterflies,
but also provide them and others with a sanctuary from elements, whether they
be a summers blistering heat or a storms windy chill.
California
dreaming on such a winter's day...The wonderful diversity of both
the butterfly population and native plant species hosted by the Southern California
terrain is indeed a dream come true for the local butterfly gardener.
So, next time your mind starts wandering, picture yourself lying on the beach
somewhere in Southern California. The soft sun-warmed sand is beneath you, comforting
rays reach down from above easing your mind as the soothing rhythm of the surf
lulls you to sleep.
Now
you are dreaming! California "Butterfly" Dreamin' to be precise. Don't
be surprised if when you open your eyes to the sky above, it is filled with not
just California's sunny skies, but scores of its beautiful butterflies fluttering
about.
Author Kristen D'Angelo is a freelance writer and photographer
who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Ecology from the University of California,
Irvine. She was formerly a social worker in California. Now, in addition to her
writing, Kristen is a partner in Obsession With Butterflies and
an active member of the Orange County Chapter of the North American Butterfly
Association (NABA). She resides in southern California.
Butterflies are a breath of beauty fluttering by, they are mystery
chronicled upon wing, they bring forth the grace and wonder of this world to
our eyes everyday ~K. D’Angelo
