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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.

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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
 

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