Butterfly flower facts for kids

Butterfly flower is a common name used for a few different plants. It can be a bit confusing because these plants are not related, but they both have beautiful flowers that might remind you of butterflies. The two main plants people call "butterfly flower" are Asclepias syriaca and plants from the genus Schizanthus.

What is a Butterfly Flower?

The name "butterfly flower" often describes plants with colorful, unique blossoms. These flowers can look like butterflies in flight or are very important to real butterflies. Let's explore the two main types of plants that share this interesting common name.

Common Milkweed: A Home for Butterflies

Common milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias syriaca, is a very important plant. It grows naturally across much of North America. This plant is famous for its strong connection to the Monarch butterfly.

Why Monarchs Love Milkweed

Monarch butterflies need milkweed to survive. Female Monarchs lay their eggs only on milkweed plants. When the tiny caterpillars hatch, they eat the milkweed leaves. This is their only food source! The plant's milky sap, which gives milkweed its name, contains special chemicals. These chemicals make the Monarch caterpillars and butterflies taste bad to predators, protecting them from birds and other animals.

What Does Milkweed Look Like?

Common milkweed plants can grow quite tall, sometimes over 6 feet (1.8 meters) high. They have large, oval-shaped leaves and produce clusters of small, fragrant flowers. These flowers are usually pink or purple and bloom in the summer. After the flowers fade, large, bumpy seed pods form. In the fall, these pods split open, releasing many flat, brown seeds. Each seed has a tuft of silky white hairs, which helps the wind carry them far away.

Where Does Milkweed Grow?

You can often find common milkweed growing in open fields, along roadsides, and in sunny meadows. It's a tough plant that can grow in many different soil types. Because it's so important for Monarch butterflies, many people are now planting milkweed in their gardens to help these amazing insects.

Schizanthus: The Poor Man's Orchid

Another group of plants called "butterfly flower" belongs to the genus Schizanthus. These plants are also known as "poor man's orchid" or "butterfly orchid." They are native to Chile, a country in South America.

Why "Poor Man's Orchid"?

Schizanthus plants get the nickname "poor man's orchid" because their flowers are incredibly beautiful and intricate. They look a lot like expensive orchids, but they are much easier and cheaper to grow. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners who want stunning flowers without a lot of fuss.

What Do Schizanthus Flowers Look Like?

The flowers of Schizanthus are truly unique. They come in many colors, including pink, purple, white, and red, often with speckles or stripes. Each flower has a complex shape with many petals that are deeply cut or lobed. This gives them a delicate, lacy appearance, which is why some people think they resemble butterflies. The plants themselves are usually bushy and can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

Growing Schizanthus

Schizanthus plants are often grown as annuals in gardens, meaning they complete their life cycle in one year. They prefer cool temperatures and partial shade. They are a favorite for adding a splash of color to flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets. Their unique beauty makes them stand out wherever they are planted.