Are Butterfly Bushes Actually Bad for Butterflies?

Are Butterfly Bushes Actually Bad for Butterflies?

While they definitely attract butterflies, these shrubs do pose potential problems.

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Bad for butterflies, no. Bad for the local ecosystem, maybe. But there are steps you can take to offset potential problems.

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The fact is, butterflies love butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), which reliably produces nectar-rich flowers for a long period of time.

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The Problem With Butterfly Bush Problem is, those flowers eventually turn to seed. And before you know it, butterfly bush is on the march.

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Sometimes it’s moving just across your yard, sometimes it’s launching seedlings all over the place — including wild areas, where it crowds out native plants.

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Because of this, butterfly bush is considered an invasive pest in some parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest.

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There are solutions, but they come with their own set of caveats. First, be vigilant about deadheading flowers. Clip

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There are solutions, but they come with their own set of caveats. First, be vigilant about deadheading flowers. Clip them as soon as they fade so they don’t produce seed.

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For more information click below

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