The Sustainability Department installed The Butterfly Oasis garden in June, 2014 to create a butterfly and moth habitat on campus. It is located behind the greenhouse of the Science building, 1715 3rd Ave. Habitat loss, pollution and climate change has resulted in global declines in butterfly and moth populations, both play a vital role in the ecosystem, through their work as pollinators.
This garden is certified by the North American Butterfly Association. There are 48 species of butterflies commonly found in Cabell County and 130 species found in West Virginia. For more information on the species of butterflies and moths native to our area, visit: Here!
Perennials/ Spring/Summer & Fall interest:
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea )
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)- Host plant, Silvery Checkerspot
- Blazing star (Liatris spicata)
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
- Oswego tea (Monarda Didyma)
- Bird’s foot Violet (Viola pedata) – Host plant, Varigated Fritillary, Great Spangled Fritillary, Meadow Fritillary
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – Host plant, Pearl Crescent
- Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) – Host plant, Wild Indigo Duskywing Skipper
- Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum leave)
- Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
Annuals:
- Zinna (Zinnia elegans)
- Cosmos