- Appearance
- Buddleja davidii is a deciduous shrub that is 3-15 ft. (1-5 m) tall with arching stems.
- Foliage
- The leaves are opposite, 6-10 in. (15-25 cm) long, velvety and lanced-shaped.
- Flowers
- Flowering occurs from May to August, when dense clusters of tubular flowers develop. These flowers have 4 petals and can be purple, white or pink. The flowers produce high quantities of nectar and are attractive to butterflies, hence the common name.
- Fruit
- The developing pods are small upright ovate pods, which may not be readily visible through the remnants of the flower. When mature, the pods area a dark brown and opened at the tip. The seeds are dust-like particles which can easily be distributed by the wind.
- Ecological Threat
- Buddleja davidii readily invades disturbed sites and riparian areas. Although butterflies will use this plant as a nectar source their larvae cannot survive on it. By replacing native larval food source plants butterflybush can have a negative impact on wildlife.
|
