Buddleja facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BuddlejaButterfly Bush |
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| Buddleja davidii (white flowered form) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
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| Order: | |
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Buddlejeae
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| Genus: |
Buddleja
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| Type species | |
| Buddleja americana L.
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| Species | |
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About 100 species, see text. |
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| Synonyms | |
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Adenoplea Radlk. |
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Buddleja (pronounced BUD-lee-uh) is a group of plants often called butterfly bushes. They are famous for their beautiful, colorful flowers. These flowers are a favorite food source for butterflies.
These plants are part of the figwort family, known scientifically as Scrophulariaceae. Before, they were placed in a different plant family. There are about 100 different kinds, or species, of Buddleja.
Contents
What are Butterfly Bushes?
Butterfly bushes are usually shrubs, which are like large bushes. Some can even grow into small trees. They are native to many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
These plants are well-known for their long, cone-shaped clusters of flowers. The flowers come in many colors, like purple, pink, white, and yellow. They often have a sweet smell.
Why Butterflies Love Them
The flowers of Buddleja plants produce a lot of sweet liquid called nectar. Nectar is a main food source for butterflies. This is why so many butterflies are attracted to these plants.
When butterflies visit the flowers, they help the plant reproduce. They carry pollen from one flower to another. This process is called pollination.
Types of Buddleja
The most common type of butterfly bush is Buddleja davidii. This species is very popular in gardens around the world. It is known for its large, showy flower clusters.
Some Buddleja species keep their leaves all year round. These are called evergreen plants. Others lose their leaves in the fall and grow new ones in the spring. These are called deciduous plants.
Where They Grow
Buddleja plants can grow in many different places. They often grow well in sunny spots. You can find them in gardens, parks, and even wild areas.
Because they grow quickly, some types of Buddleja can spread easily. For example, Buddleja davidii can sometimes become an invasive species. This means it can grow in places where it is not native and take over from local plants.
Growing Butterfly Bushes
Butterfly bushes are quite easy to grow. They do best in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They don't need a lot of special care once they are established.
Many gardeners like to trim their butterfly bushes. This helps the plant grow more flowers. It also keeps the plant looking neat and tidy.
Images for kids
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Budleja davidii self-sown along a railroad right-of-way at Düsseldorf, Germany (2016)
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B. davidii - Invasive species, here in an urban area
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Buddleja madagascariensis - flowers and foliage
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Unidentified Buddleja species in Igarata, Brazil
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Monarch butterfly feeding on Buddleja davidii in Connecticut
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Red Admiral butterfly feeding on Buddleja officinalis in January
See also
In Spanish: Buddleja para niños
