Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush, an invasive species in North Carolina, is a rapidly growing, woody, deciduous, perennial shrub with a bushy habit, arching stems and showy, colorful flowers. It is in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) and is native to Tibet and south-central China. 

Butterfly bush grows 5 to 12 feet high and 8 to 10 feet wide. Its resistance to many gardening challenges including deer, drought, heat, humidity and salt helped it grow in popularity. And as the name implies, it attracts butterflies which feed on its nectar. However, the larvae (caterpillars) of native butterflies cannot feed on its leaves; they need plants native to North America for sustenance. As an invasive species, butterfly bush outcompetes native species in natural areas and thus has a negative impact on butterflies. 

There are as many as 40,000 seeds on a single panicle of butterfly bush flowers. The seeds are winged and lightweight and can travel far by wind or water. The seeds have a high germination rate. Seeds that fail to germinate immediately, remain viable in the soil for three to five years. Cut stems can resprout. 

Consider planting a noninvasive cultivar of butterfly bush, such as one from the Lo & Behold® series developed by North Carolina State University. Or consider a native shrub with similar yet noninvasive characteristics such as buttonbush, sweet pepperbush, silky dogwood, Virginia sweetspire or blue haw viburnum.  

Quick ID Hints:

• Opposite, simple leaves.
• Tomentose underside on leaves.
• Cane-like growth.
• Inflorescence terminal, panicles. 

Insect, Disease and Other Plant Problems: Spider mites can become a problem during drought. In other parts of the country like the Pacific Northwest this plant is highly weedy and other options should be investigated. It is listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council.