Over the years, my wife and I have planted a number of butterfly bushes. The flowers produced by these plants varied from yellow, to lavender and dark purple. While they all attracted butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, the one that is most often visited by these amazing insects is a dark purple variety named Black Knight.
Doug Tallamy argues against planting the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) because it is an invasive, non-native plant that is a poor support for the food web. While it provides nectar for adult butterflies and other pollinators, it serves as a host plant for very few native butterfly and moth larvae, doing more harm than good for local ecosystems by displacing native plants that support the entire life cycle of wildlife. Tallamy advocates for planting native plants instead, as they support local food webs and provide the necessary host plants for caterpillars. Butterfly bush is a very popular plant because of its ability to produce so much nectar it distracts pollinators from the native plants that offer better nutrition (think of it as soda pop). Also, the aggressive spread of butterfly bush seeds through wind and water can create dense thickets. There are numerous organizations and websites against planting butterfly bush instead suggesting native plants to replace current bushes that supply the nutrition pollinators need plus support the life cycle.
Diane,
Butterfly bush is an exotic that, in some places in the state can be invasive. We should always try to find an native plant to plant in our yards. In spite of this, most homeowners have a variety of ornamental and exotics in their gardens. Butterfly bush should not be planted in those areas where it might be invasive. Concomitantly, gardeners should check with the local Cooperative Extension agent before planting butterfly bush.
Butterfly bush does indeed attract a lot of insects and is beautiful to look at. However, it is considered a non-native invasive plant. Native plants that fill the same niche as far as bloom time, attractiveness, and in some cases also serve as host plants for butterflies are: Phlox, Blazing Star, Mountain Mint and Ironweed. Supporting pollinators of all sizes, from beautiful showy butterflies to tiny bees, by thoughtful landscaping choices make a positive impact on the environment.
Suzanne,
You are absolutely right. In some areas, butterfly can be a troublesome exotic. Native plants should be our first choice when selecting plants for our landscapes.