Host

What Does Host Mean?

A host plant refers to a plant whereby various types of organisms such as butterflies and other insects lodge and subsist.

Butterfly gardens are commonly created using an array of host plants to attract them. Different types of plants actually have varying functions as far as butterflies are concerned. This is why butterfly gardens tend to focus heavily on host plants and nectar plants.

Maximum Yield Explains Host

Different species of butterflies and insects have different preferences for host plants, hence the importance of investing in various types of host plants.

Passionflowers are popular host plants since their vines tend to be butterfly-friendly and can climb up to 50 feet. As a result, they provide both shady and sunny areas for insects to thrive in. Other insects that thrive on this plant include, but are not limited to, Zebra Longwings and some types of fritillary caterpillars such as variegated and gulf fritillary.

Some of the most popular types of host plants include alfalfa, sweet fennel, parsley, dill, and tumble mustard, among others.