Yes, the narrow leaved Plantain that grows as a lawn weed up here seems to be a great host plant for the Baltimores in the area. However, just because you have the plant doesn't mean you'll get the butterfly. They seem to prefer open areas with some source of water, be in a marsh, poorly drained field, or adjacent pond. Perhaps because this is where the original host, turtlehead, is typically found. The use of Plantain as a host plant here in CT, could lead to the Baltimores expanding their range. My baltimore caterpillars fed readily on English plantain and Turtlehead, "Hot Lips." Although they overwintered last year and pupated and eclosed normally, I have yet to see evidence of a new generation, ie, eggs, cats or nest, in my yard this summer. Maryann

Well, until 11.30 AM I was undecided and then, all of a sudden, I decided to go to the Landreth plant sale. And I am glad I did. After a 2 1/2 hour drive and a bit of driving around the neighbourhood, we made it. The sale was in a nice grassy area in front of the building. Of course, by then, my puppy was ready to move around a bit. I wasn't sure if I could bring her to romp in between the stands, but a nice lady who happened to be sitting there immediately welcomed us and even offered some water for the thirsty pooch. I asked the lady if we were very far from the harbour where I thought I could go and spend the rest of the afternoon. The lady told me that she had to go into that direction and that she could take me there as soon as I was ready to go. The whole place, although small, looked very cheery, like a party. I didn't know there was a lobby in the building that we could visit. I'll have to go in next year. I picked up 21 plants and some seeds. I was very pleased to find the melon Noir des Carmes and the Golden Midget watermelon. Got some Calabrese broccoli, Broccoverde cauliflower, Mexican sour gherkin cukes, 2 varieties of red lettuce, Minnesota Midget melon, a Fairytale eggplant (anyone knows if it an OP? It's a 2005 AAS winner), and a little Thai green pea eggplant. The same lady asked me how I knew about the sale. I said I saw it on their website and posted it here on GW for all to see. She said there had been other customers who mentioned an internet site, so I guess it was you, Cecilia, who must have gone. She also said the sale went very well and they'll have it again next year. As we were leaving I asked the lady if she was the owner and she said yes. Barb, if you read this, I was very pleased to meet you. You've done a terrific job. And thanks for taking me to the harbor. We had a very nice day. Francoise

Thank you all for all of your help!!! Lori, The leaves are alternate. Sam, I looked at the false foxglove, and I don't think the leaves quite match up? Dick, Thank you for going that extra length--linking to the yahoo group! I'll have to look for those plants. I do have ironweed growing in a bed, so I can easily check against that. I'll look into the other two. I was wondering if they could be Harris'. I do have turtlehead in the garden near the meadow. My understanding of BCs is that they feed on the chelone when new larvae, and overwinter as half-grown larvae. When spring comes, they continue their growing and become more liberal in what they will eat. They separate (in their early instars they are communal) and find different plants to eat. The aster makes sense; I do have a lot of asters in that area. I brought them in to raise and see what they will turn into. One has already pupated, and another is getting ready to pupate. I contacted my extension agency, and the master gardner there thought is could be tufted loosestrife. I can't wait to get this mystery figured out. Thank you, thank you all of you!!

Congratulations! I've only seen them in pictures and don't know anything about raising them. Hopefully, somebody else will. They're certainly beautiful little butterflies! Sherry