![]() It establishes in sunny, well-drained sites including fields, roadsides, woods edges, and riverbanks, where native shrubs would have grown. But its high reproductive success and dispersal means that Butterfly Bush replaces native shrubs outside the garden, in natural areas. If Butterfly Bush were just a pretty garden shrub, it would be less of a concern. Not a single native caterpillar eats Butterfly Bush leaves. However, butterflies need host plants on which to lay eggs and on which their caterpillars feed. It attracts butterflies because it provides copious nectar. Negative Impactsīutterfly Bush benefits pollinators but only at one stage of their life cycle. These seeds can remain viable for three to five years in soil, and any cut stems can sprout again. The germination rate is about 80 percent or above. The shrub reaches maturity quite quickly, often producing extremely lightweight, winged seeds within the first year of growth, which travel far distances by way of water or wind. A study at Longwood Gardens found that there were over 40,000 seeds on a single flower spike. It excels at seed production and dispersal. Reproductionīutterfly Bush is extremely successful at reproduction, giving it a competitive advantage over native flowering shrubs. Varieties bred for the garden are typically purple or they may have pink, blue, magenta, yellow or maroon blooms. The wild-origin species is white-flowered with orange or yellow centers. Flowers form drooping or upright spikes at the end of branches. Butterfly Bush blooms from mid-summer to early fall. ![]() The opposite-growing leaves, 5-10 inches long, have jagged edges. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Identificationīutterfly Bush is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 feet high. Butterfly Bush infestation in natural area. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |