Page 36 - Discover Fall 2021
P. 36
66 Years CONTINUED
Weeder’s Digest CONTINUED
butterflies which they host. The natives is how tough and versatile
Pawpaw tree is the only host plant they are. They have adapted over
for Zebra Swallowtail butterfly time to the climate conditions of
caterpillars. Spicebush is another their native regions, are in balance
native plant; however, it is not the with the local biodiversity, and form
only plant on which the spicebush symbiotic relations with its fauna.
butterfly can lay its eggs. In fact, the Natives acclimate quite easily to
Tiger Swallowtail can use Spicebush our beautiful Virginia red clay, and
as a host plant. Sweetbay Magnolia is they tend to need us less to become
a semi-evergreen native tree, which established. This translates into less
will also host the spicebush butterfly, watering, fertilization and spraying
in addition to in order to keep
several other them healthy.
species of What they can do
butterflies and for us is handle
moths. difficult areas.
In places where
Perhaps
the most erosion might be
accommodating an issue, these
host plants are plants tend to
oak trees. They spread naturally,
can support anchoring the
hundreds of soil. If you have
different species damp areas,
of insects, which in turn proffers many natives can thrive, even if those
a “food-a-palooza” for birds. Many areas are prone to flooding. With
other critters feast on the acorns that numerous options at local garden
they drop in the fall. Do keep in mind centers, I can’t guarantee that they
that host plants are meant to be eaten are readily available, but they are
to a certain degree, so resist spraying worth seeking out if any of these
and let nature take its course, as they scenarios have piqued your interest.
will bounce back with little effect to You can reach Bob Siren by email:
their health. GardenGab@wslk880.com
Yet another reason to consider
34 Discover Smith Mountain Lake FALL 2021
