Florida Museum resumes weekend butterfly plant sales

March 23, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History once again is selling plants each weekend through November, including offering more cold-hardy species this season.

Ten plants will be featured each week ranging from host, native, accent and nectar plants along with at least five additional unannounced species. A list of species offered each week is available online at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies/plant_list.htm.

The museum plans to sell a variety of cold-hardy palm trees, including the Windmill Palm, Pindo Palm, Lady Palm and European Fan Palm. Other cold-hardy plants offered throughout the year include Fetterbush, Anise and Native Azaleas, as well as perennials such as Purple Cone Flower, Anise Hyssop and Coreopsis.

Those interested in attracting butterflies to their property may speak with Butterfly Rainforest staff and volunteers who will assist customers in choosing the best plants.

The plant sale will be located near the museum’s front entrance. Prices start as low as $3 for a 4″ pot and most 1-gallon pots are $6 each. Larger sizes will be available, ranging from $12 to $18 for a 3-gallon pot.

Plant sale hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. All proceeds benefit the Butterfly Rainforest. For more information, call 352-273-2043.