Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are not just a delightful sight but also beneficial pollinators and predators of garden pests.1 These bioluminescent (producing and emitting light) creatures rely on plants for shelter, food, and as a place to lay their eggs.2
So, if you’re eager to attract these twinkling wonders to your yard, then planting the right flora is key. Here are 10 plants that attract fireflies and that contribute to their life cycle.
1. Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)
This tall, native grass provides excellent cover for firefly larvae and adults. It thrives in moist soil conditions, which fireflies prefer for laying their eggs.
2. Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
The broad leaves of this grass create a cool, damp environment where firefly larvae can develop. The seeds are also an important food source for some firefly species.
3. Asters (Aster spp.)
These late-blooming flowers provide nectar for adult fireflies, which helps them to survive and reproduce. The dense foliage also offers a safe haven for firefly larvae.
4. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
This common wildflower is a favorite of many firefly species. The bright yellow flowers provide a beacon for adult fireflies, and the plant’s nectar is an important food source.
5. Pine Trees (Pinus spp.)
The needles of pine trees create a thick layer of mulch, which is the perfect habitat for firefly larvae. The trees also provide a dark, sheltered environment where adult fireflies can rest during the day.
6. Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
This wildflower blooms at night, producing a sweet fragrance that attracts fireflies. Its pale yellow flowers provide nectar for adult fireflies to feed on.
7. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
This native plant provides a habitat for firefly larvae and a source of nectar for adult fireflies. Its pink flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including fireflies.
8. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This fragrant herb attracts a wide range of pollinators, including fireflies. Its purple flowers provide a landing platform for fireflies to rest and feed on nectar.
9. Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
This tall wildflower provides a haven for fireflies with its large leaves and tall stems. Its pink flowers produce nectar that attracts fireflies and other beneficial insects.
10. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
This striking red wildflower is a favorite of hummingbirds and fireflies alike. Its tubular flowers provide a deep source of nectar for fireflies to feed on.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.