RADIO TRANSCRIPT
May 8, 2023
Taylor Campbell

This is Taylor Campbell, horticulture extension agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke Center. Today’s program is on attracting butterflies using plants.

As the weather warms up, you may notice an influx of insects, including butterflies. There are many types of butterflies that call our area home, including zebra swallowtails, eastern tiger swallowtails, sulphurs, and monarchs. There are many plants that attract these colorful creatures and more.

Plant spicebush to attract the spicebush swallowtail. Plant azalea to attract zebra and eastern tiger swallowtail. Milkweed and Joe Pye Weed are both great for attracting monarch butterflies. Asters, such as New England Aster, Purple Coneflower, and Black Eyed Susan attract an array of butterflies. Other plants to consider include elderberry, viburnum, lantana, lavender, and salvia to attract a number of species. When in doubt, native species are always appreciated by our pollinators. With so many plants in bloom this time of year, be sure to spend some time outside. How many types of butterflies can you find?

This has been Taylor Campbell, horticulture extension agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Burke Center. For more information, call us at 764-9480.