What host plants can I plant to bring other butterflies to my garden?

Just as monarchs need milkweed, other Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) species require host plants for development. Some are specialists, meaning that they require a particular type of plant, but others can eat a variety of different plants. Depending on the region that you live in, you can attract different kinds of butterflies by growing the plants that their larvae need to develop, in addition to nectar sources that the adults use. Check out the North American Butterfly Association's Butterfly Garden and Habitat webpage for more information and regional butterfly gardening guides for more ideas about what plants to use in your area.