Hello, some kind people in r/nolawns pointed out that my butterfly bushes are actually invasive and could possibly be damaging to the butterfly population. Should I remove them?!
Invasive would mean they spread via seed. Are they? Mine don’t. On top of that they do provide a food source for the butterflies and bees.
I don’t see any issue with them.
InterestingVariety47
Yep! Remove and replace. A few species use them for pollen, but zero pollinators use it as a host plant. Goldenrods, asters, milkweeds, coneflowers however, are used by many species for pollen and hosts for their larvae/caterpillars. Find species native to your region and get planting.
Agreeable-Court-25
I removed the one on my property because I wanted to use the space for plants better for pollinators. There’s a lot of nectar on the bush but native pollinators host their babies on native plants plus they prefer nectar and pollen from native plants. These bushes are not native, they’re from Asia. t’s not an emergency like a tree of heaven but it’s good to consider removing and replacing with a heavier hitter.
HimeImo
Are they new or old? I believe butterfly bushes you can purchase now are sterile and won’t spread.
StardewNerd
First off lets get a few facts out of the way. The term butterfly bush refers to over a 140 species in the genus buddleja some of which are native to the United States, however the main species used is Buddleja davidii which is from China and is highly invasive due to its ability to 1. Produce lots of seeds which can establish in habitats easily and out compete native plants due to how big it is. It does attract alot of pollinators however there are no native butterflies that use it as a host plant. However it’s thick foliage provides cover for birds and food. I would check to see if it is a native buddleja variety yo see if its invasive or not, e.g. Garden label tags if you got it from a garden centre or plant nursery.
I am just providing you the information to make the decision it’s up to you.
EnvironmentalOkra529
You can buy butterfly bushes that are sterile, but I don’t know if I would trust that. Calley pears were supposed to be sterile. If you are going to buy something new, you might as well put in a native that can serve as a host plant.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to replace them all at once! I see several butterfly bushes, you can always take out 1-2 per year and replace it with something native that can serve as a food source AND a host plant.
tamoore69
Yank it! Burn it!!
Icy-Conclusion-3500
Replace it with a butterfly spicebush if you want (If in the eastern US)
Maker_Magpie
Depends where you live and what kind of butterfly bush you have. Assuming US and assuming Buddleja, then yeah, hella invasive, and basically just junk food for pollinators anyway. Remove and replace.
I did this a few years ago. It hurt at first, but I recovered. It was worth it.
professormagma
strange perspective on that butterfly, it looks like a full sized man wing gliding in a butterfly themed suit
leemurphie
Thank you for the feedback! I’m in Southern CA, based on the feedback I’m going to yank these out and replace with a native plant. I’m up for suggestions:) thanks!
11 Comments
Invasive would mean they spread via seed. Are they? Mine don’t. On top of that they do provide a food source for the butterflies and bees.
I don’t see any issue with them.
Yep! Remove and replace. A few species use them for pollen, but zero pollinators use it as a host plant. Goldenrods, asters, milkweeds, coneflowers however, are used by many species for pollen and hosts for their larvae/caterpillars. Find species native to your region and get planting.
I removed the one on my property because I wanted to use the space for plants better for pollinators. There’s a lot of nectar on the bush but native pollinators host their babies on native plants plus they prefer nectar and pollen from native plants. These bushes are not native, they’re from Asia. t’s not an emergency like a tree of heaven but it’s good to consider removing and replacing with a heavier hitter.
Are they new or old? I believe butterfly bushes you can purchase now are sterile and won’t spread.
First off lets get a few facts out of the way. The term butterfly bush refers to over a 140 species in the genus buddleja some of which are native to the United States, however the main species used is Buddleja davidii which is from China and is highly invasive due to its ability to 1. Produce lots of seeds which can establish in habitats easily and out compete native plants due to how big it is. It does attract alot of pollinators however there are no native butterflies that use it as a host plant. However it’s thick foliage provides cover for birds and food. I would check to see if it is a native buddleja variety yo see if its invasive or not, e.g. Garden label tags if you got it from a garden centre or plant nursery.
I am just providing you the information to make the decision it’s up to you.
You can buy butterfly bushes that are sterile, but I don’t know if I would trust that. Calley pears were supposed to be sterile. If you are going to buy something new, you might as well put in a native that can serve as a host plant.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to replace them all at once! I see several butterfly bushes, you can always take out 1-2 per year and replace it with something native that can serve as a food source AND a host plant.
Yank it! Burn it!!
Replace it with a butterfly spicebush if you want
(If in the eastern US)
Depends where you live and what kind of butterfly bush you have. Assuming US and assuming Buddleja, then yeah, hella invasive, and basically just junk food for pollinators anyway. Remove and replace.
I did this a few years ago. It hurt at first, but I recovered. It was worth it.
strange perspective on that butterfly, it looks like a full sized man wing gliding in a butterfly themed suit
Thank you for the feedback! I’m in Southern CA, based on the feedback I’m going to yank these out and replace with a native plant. I’m up for suggestions:) thanks!