Family: Scrophulariaceae

Buddleja davidii, commonly known as butterfly bush, is native to China. An aggressive plant, it has no predators to keep it in check away from its native land. This plant escapes initial plantings and dominates riparian ecosystems.

The Buddleja flower is attractive to butterflies due to its colorful, nectar-rich flowers.  However, the nectar is junk food. It’s like feeding a baby Kool-Aid instead of milk. And the plant isn’t a good host for a butterfly full reproduction cycle; their larvae cannot survive on the plant. Attracting butterflies and not supporting their reproduction is harmful to the pollinator’s well-meaning people aim to protect.

There are many other choices to give bees and butterflies fodder. Mamaki is an excellent choice for feeding the native fauna. Milo is another plant that feeds the bees and other pollinators.

Description and Dispersal:

• Grows 6-12’ tall with a spread to 4-15’ wide.
  
• Densely packed flowers are purple with orange centers.
  
• Long, skinny leaves are silverish green.
  
• Wind dispersed seeds.