I enjoy learning about the butterflies host plants. Bearberry is the host plant for the Hoary Elfin. And blueberry is the host plant for Spring Azures. Some more information here: New Jersey Butterfly Families.
A lot of the plants that we saw are native to the area. Pyxidanthera barbulata grows in wet sands and peaty sands. It thrives in pine barrens, pine savannas, and pine flatwoods. It is also found on pocosin margins and at the edges of sandhill seepage bogs. Pyxidanthera barbulata occurs on the coast from Long Island to New Jersey and Virginia to South Carolina.
The Pine Barrens in New Jersey is home to several species of trees, including:
- Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), red (or swamp) maple (Acer rubella), sour gum (Nyasa sylvatica), and swamp magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) are also present in the Pine Barrens.
- Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) is the most abundant tree in the Pine Barrens.
- Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is also present, but not as abundant.
- Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and pond pine (Pinus serotina) are present and fairly commonly encountered in the southern regions of the Pine Barrens.
- Virginia Pines are present in some areas.
New Jersey Pine Barrens history – Wikipedia
I really like the photos. I always find it interesting how different butterflies and even bees prefer one plant over another.
Rich Cech, our trip leader, covers this in his book on butterflies. 🦋
Fine pictures and useful information for your compatriots
Thanks Derrick. I hope to share the knowledge. Hope you have a lovely day.