Does Thyme in bloom attract Monarchs?

[signlady]

Hi. I have a huge thyme garden. I'm actually growing it to keep a large slope from eroding. It's in it's third year and when the thyme is blooming, the butterflies and bees seem to love it. It looks very much like clover when it's in bloom.

Will it attract Monarchs? We love to watch the migrations, and I'd love it if they liked thyme.

[butterflyman]

In general, large butterflies prefer large flowers and smaller butterflies prefer smaller flowers. Right now my Monarchs seem to like Swamp Milkweed and Echinacea.

I'd expect smaller butterflies to go to your thyme.

Tom

[Jim]

Thyme is in the mint family (Lamiaceae) which is attractive to bees and possibly butterflies.

In regards to attractiveness to monarchs, Chip says that it probably depends on flower odor, color, structure, and amount of nectar secretion.

So, keep an eye on your Thyme and let us know what visitors you have

[signlady]

Thank you!

I'll watch and let you know. By the way, love this forum.

[signlady]

There are some large black butterflies that love the thyme. I've been seeing a lot of monarch colored butterflies, but they are small. Usually they seem to like to hang upside down on the thyme.

I have 3 photos. Is there an appropriate place to post these?

Beth

[Jim]

I have 3 photos. Is there an appropriate place to post these?

You can post them here but you will need to first upload them to a photo sharing service like ImageShack, Photobucket, etc. (most are free).

[signlady]

Jim,

I couldn't get too close without spooking them, so I hope you can see them in these photos.

Beth




(The thyme is also abuzz with bees and wasps. They love it.)