Best Plants to Attract Moths

American Holly

Lepidoptera is an order of insects that includes moths and butterflies, which are among the most widespread, diverse and successful organisms on earth. They are a key indicator of the health of an ecosystem. Gardens filled with plants that attract the greatest number of Lepidoptera will provide the greatest food source for wildlife.

Below is a list of native trees and shrubs, many of which are planted in the Demonstration Garden, along with the number of Lepidoptera supported, as noted by Doug Tallamy in his book, Bringing Nature Home.

For more native trees and shrubs (and a few non-native) click, “Lepidoptera-Friendly Flora” below. List compiled by Island resident and conservationist Joe Henderson.

Lepidoptera-Friendly Flora

Mobile Version

Mobile version: Family and plant genus have been omitted to adjust for smaller devices.

Trees

Shade Trees
Botanical NameCommon Name# Lepidoptera Species Supported**
Nyssa sylvaticaBlack Tupelo26
Quercus bicolorSwamp White Oak534
Tilia cordataLittle Leaf Linden149
Evergreen Trees
Botanical NameCommon Name# Lepidoptera Species Supported**
Juniperus virginianaEastern Red Cedar42
Ilex opacaAmerican Holly39
Ornamental Trees
Botanical NameCommon Name# Lepidoptera Species Supported**
Amelanchier canadensisShad124
Betula nigraBlack Birch413
Cercis canadensisEastern Redbud19
Cornus floridaFlowering Dogwood118
Prunus serotina (Existing)Black Cherry456

Shrubs

Shrubs
Botanical NameCommon Name# Lepidoptera Species Supported**
Clethra alnifoliaSummersweet10
Ilex glabraInkberry39
Ilex verticillataWinterberry39
Myrica pensylvanicaBayberry106
Rhododendron viscosumSwamp Azalea51
Salix melanostachysBlack Pussy Willow456
Vaccinium corymbosumHigh Bush Blueberry294
Viburnum dentatumArrowwood104