Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Thursday - June 25, 2009

From: Vermilion, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Host plants for American Painted Lady larvae in Ohio
Answered by: Jackie OKeefe

QUESTION:

Need to know what plants to plant as host plants for American Painted lady butterflies have larve coming in mail in few days , live in Vermilion Ohio on the Lake Erie. Thank You for your knowledge Patty .

ANSWER:

Here are links to two web site that have extensive information about the American Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis):

BAMONA

ZipCodeZoo

Below is a link to advice for Ohio butterfly gardening, with links to other info sources:

Ohio State University Extension Service fact sheet

A previous question was posed – for the Houston, TX area – on Mr. Smarty Plants. The information looks like it would be of interest. Although the title says "Painted Lady", the answer given refers to American Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis):

Native host plants for Painted Lady butterfly

Native host plants for the caterpillars include:

Anaphalis margaritacea (western pearly everlasting)

Antennaria plantaginifolia (woman's tobacco)

Vernonia fasciculata (prairie ironweed)


Anaphalis margaritacea

Anaphalis margaritacea

 


Antennaria plantaginifolia

Antennaria plantaginifolia

Vernonia fasciculata

Vernonia fasciculata
 

More Wildlife Gardens Questions

Butterflies and larval hosts in Dallas County
June 19, 2007 - My class is starting a butterfly habitat at school. We have researched plants that attract butterflies, however we forgot to look for plants that feed the caterpillars and we want to provide the expe...
view the full question and answer

Literature on native plants and wildlife from Baltimore
September 04, 2010 - Can you tell me a good review of the literature on the relation between native plants and ecology; for example, a study might indicate how native plants support more birds or other wildlife.
view the full question and answer

Native plants to attract migrating birds
June 12, 2010 - Can you suggest native plants that would attract migrating birds? I have a very sunny location, with very sandy soil. Thanks in advance for your answer.
view the full question and answer

Keeping bugs out of a Texas home
June 29, 2015 - I'm slowly growing my gardens into natural habitats for birds, bees, butterflies and other little critters but would like to keep them outside of my house. Being in central Texas it is difficult to ...
view the full question and answer

Wildlife and bird friendly hedgerow for Chicago suburb
November 30, 2013 - Want to plant a wildlife/bird friendly hedgerow in suburban Chicago. Looking for a recommended mix of understory trees as well a shrubs and grasses. Site is part shade with average to wet soil and tr...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.