I just moved into my first house and I'm beyond thrilled to have a backyard! Besides growing veggies, I'm really interested in planting some native species to attract pollinators and butterflies. Any recommendations? I'd love to know which plants can also bring in fireflies since my son has never seen them before!
2 Answers
So habitat really matters! Fireflies need leaf litter to complete their life cycle, and it's crucial for other insects too. You’ll want to consider what trees and native plants you can include. Look for host plants that attract moths and butterflies—they often pupate under the leaf litter. Some good plants to think about include goldenrod, beebalm, mountain mint, and even coneflowers. Plus, it might help to know what your specific growing conditions are like, so you can select the best plants!
You might want to check out some native species that are recommended for North Carolina. It's great to know that fireflies thrive in habitats with leaf litter, so leaving some areas of your yard a bit wild with dead leaves and sticks can help them out. For pollinators like butterflies and moths, they also need that leaf litter for nesting. So, just remember to maintain some natural spots in your yard!
Thank you for the tips!