Friday Favorites: Nectar and Host Plants

This week, we bring you our favorite nectar plants (native and non-native) and host plants. As always, narrowing these options down is tough, but here are our top choices .

Kristen’s Picks

Nectar Plant, Native:
Firebush (Hamelia patens) and Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)
            

Nectar Plant – Non-Native:
Buddleia (Buddleia davidii), which is not invasive in Florida and smells almost like lilac!

Host Plant: Pipevines (Aristolochia spp.), mostly for their flowers - like the outrageous White-Veined Pipevine (Aristolochia fimbriata), shown below.
 

Jill’s Picks

Nectar Plant, Native:
Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea) and Scorpion Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum)
          

Nectar Plant, Non-Native: Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Host Plant: Corky-Stemmed Passionvine (Passiflora suberosa)