California Tortoiseshell
Nymphalis californica
CA Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern; population fluctuations noted
Plants that support California Tortoiseshell
13 plants
Alameda Manzanita
Arctostaphylos pallida
shrub
Larval host plant; caterpillars feed on manzanita foliage in spring
Arroyo Willow
Salix lasiolepis
shrub
Caterpillars feed on willow leaves during spring emergence
Bird's-eye Gilia
Gilia tricolor subsp. tricolor
annual
Butterfly utilizes wildflower nectar resources during flight season
Bitter Cherry
Prunus emarginata
tree
Larval host plant; supports spring emergence and population development
Brittleleaf Manzanita
Arctostaphylos crustacea subsp. crustacea
shrub
Larvae feed on Arctostaphylos leaves during spring development
California Coffeeberry
Frangula californica
shrub
Recorded larval host plant, caterpillars feed on foliage
California Lilac (Blue Blossom)
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
shrub
Critical larval host plant; eggs laid Mar-May during bloom
Deerbrush
Ceanothus integerrimus
perennial herb
Caterpillar development on spring foliage; adults emerge in late spring
Madrone
Arbutus menziesii
tree
Spring adult butterfly nectar source
Milkmaids
Cardamine californica
perennial herb
Nectar source during emergence and dispersal periods
Mt. Tamalpais Manzanita
Arctostaphylos montana ssp. montana
perennial herb
Emergence and early season feeding
Shatterberry
Arctostaphylos nummularia
perennial herb
Host plant for caterpillar development in spring emergence
Whiteleaf Manzanita
Arctostaphylos viscida
perennial herb
Post-hibernation nectar source