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Midcoast-Native-Plant-Society-logo

Midcoast Initiative

From Roots to Wings

Plants for Butterfly Survival

Embark on a journey to discover the local butterflies of the Oregon coast. Learn how native plants sustain these delicate species and find out how you can support biodiversity through community action and gardening.

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Endangered or Threatened
Local Butterflies

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Oregon Silverspot
 

Habitat: Salt-spray coastal prairies. They require open, dynamic grasslands right along the ocean cliffs.

 

 

 

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 Federally threatened. 

Host: Early Blue Violet

Nectar: Western Yarrow, Pearly Everlasting, Sea Thrift, Pacific Aster

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Johnson’s Hairstreak
 

Habitat: Damp, shaded mountain environments, ranging from the low-elevation coniferous forest edges and stream canyons of the Oregon Coast Range  to high-altitude subalpine meadows

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At risk species

Host: Pine Dwarf Mistletoe

Nectar: Dogwood, Bunchberry, Ceanothus,Oregon Grape, Vine Maple

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CoastalGreenBlue.avif
Coastal Greenish Blue

Habitat: Coastal dunes and wet coastal meadows. They live in the low-lying, damp depressions between coastal sand dunes and nearby salt marshes.

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Critically imperiled
Feared locally extinct

Host: Springbank clover

Nectar: Native clovers, seaside dandelions, coastal wildflowers

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Seaside Hoary
Elfin

Habitat: Coastal sand barrens and stabilized dunes. They are restricted to coastal flats and open sandy ridges directly exposed to ocean air.

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At risk species

Host  Kinnikinnick

Nectar: Kinnikinnick flowers, wild strawberry, huckleberry

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In Your Own Yard

  • Plant native early blue violets for Silverspot larvae
  • Provide a sequence of nectar plants for adult butterflies
  • Eliminate pesticides and herbicides from your garden
  • Leave some bare soil and organic debris for nesting
  • Install a small water feature or mud puddle for puddling

With NPSO Midcoast

  • Volunteer for native violet propagation projects
  • Participate in garden work parties 
  • Help us lead educational butterfly walks
  • Support policy advocacy for coastal habitat preservation
Volunteer

Resources

  • The Xerces Society: Find detailed profiles and conservation action guides for imperiled species

  • NatureServe Explorer: Search authoritative data on the distribution, habitat needs, and extinction risks of rare species

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Read about regional recovery plans, host plants, and protected status

  • North American Butterfly Association (NABA): Participate in local population counts and access educational materials

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