Before talking about host plants we need to discuss how flowers can serve two purposes for butterflies. When we think about which flowers to include in a butterfly garden, we usually think of the color and beauty flowers add to your garden. But how can one plant benefit adult butterflies and caterpillars?
Flowers provide nectar for adult butterflies and other pollinators to feed on. Some of the same plants with flowers that attract butterflies for their nectar are also the host plants some butterflies need to lay their eggs on and for their caterpillars (larvae) to feed on.
Read more: 4 Actionable Tips to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden
That means plants such as Milkweeds (host plants for Monarch butterflies) or Asters (host plants for Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent butterflies) can serve two purposes in your garden. See our list below for other ‘double-duty’ flowering host plants to add when creating your butterfly garden.
AD: 
Host Flowers for Butterfly Eggs and Caterpillars
Other Types of Host Plants
Flowers, Grasses, Herbs, Shrubs, Trees, Vines, and Wildflowers
