Diana Patch
This patch is a tribute to Arkansas’s state butterfly, the Diana Fritillary. Designed with the species’ unique preferences in mind, it’s a specialized habitat that ensures these stunning butterflies have a place to thrive.
Meet the Diana Fritillary!
Diana Fritillary Caterpillar
The Diana Fritillary caterpillar (Speyeria diana) is a striking larva with dark, spiny features and orange spots. This caterpillar feeds on violets, which provide the necessary nourishment for its metamorphosis into the elegant Diana Fritillary butterfly. Supporting this species in your garden helps sustain its population while promoting biodiversity and pollination.
Male Butterfly
The male Diana Fritillary butterfly (Speyeria diana) is known for its vibrant orange and brown wings, adorned with dark spots and a graceful, delicate pattern. Smaller than the female, this butterfly is an important pollinator, attracted to a variety of wildflowers. With its striking appearance, the male Diana Fritillary adds beauty and supports local ecosystems by aiding in pollination.
Female Butterfly
The female Diana Fritillary butterfly (Speyeria diana) is known for her larger size and beautiful blue-tinted wings, accented with dark spots and intricate patterns. As a crucial pollinator, she visits a variety of wildflowers, helping to support biodiversity. Her stunning appearance makes her a standout in gardens, while also benefiting local ecosystems through pollination.
Diana Fritillary's Host Plant
The Common Violet is a low-growing native plant with heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple flowers. It’s not just pretty—its blooms provide nectar for early-season pollinators, and its leaves are a critical food source for the caterpillars of fritillary butterflies.
Plants Found In This Zone!
Common Violet
Viola sororia
(Jade Espinoza, 9/24)
Rough Goldenrod
Soladago rugosa 'Fireworks'
(Kolten Shook, 9/23)
Ironweed
Veronia fasciulata
(Christine Dunning, 9/23)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
(Graydon Anderson, 9/24)
Ouachita Blazing Star
Liatris compacta
Linz Cox, 9/24
Ozark Downy Phlox
Phlox pilosa subsp. ozarkana
(Linz Cox, 9/24)
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
(Lukas Bowler, 9/23)
Plains coreopsis
Coreopsis tinctoria
Maxine Uriarte 9/24
Scaly Blazing Star
Liatris squarrosa
(Haven Herring, 9/23)
Scarlet Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
Jade Espinoza, 9/24
Tickseed Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata
(Melanie Holmes, 9/23)
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
(Rasikh Imam, 9/24)
Wild Plum
Prunus americana
(Marko Hales, 9/23)