Smithsonian Gardens Butterfly Habitat

The Smithsonian Butterfly Habitat Garden is 11,000 square foot area that supports plant species having specific relationships to life cycles of eastern United States butterflies. A significant objective in the Butterfly Habitat Garden is to emphasize natural plant/butterfly partnerships. Plant labels provide a plant's botanical name, common name, region of origin and indicates the specific life cycle it supports. ( nectar plants support the adult butterfly and host plants support an immature stage: egg, larva, pupa). This garden also demonstrates a variety of plant species that can be used to attract butterflies to any garden. With tours available on a regular basis, a visitor can view the actual butterfly life cycle and gain insight into the miraculous metamorphosis of the butterfly species. It is an experience that will allow the visitor to learn to recognize and thus appreciate the butterfly in all its growth stages. Bring a camera and a quick eye. It will prove a most inspiring and rewarding experience!