The flowers attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, skippers, and moths. Smartweed plays host to several moth caterpillars, including Lithacodia synochitis (Black-Dotted Lithacodia), Lithacodia carneola (Pink-Barred Lithacodia), Haematopsis grataria (Chickweed Geometer; often flies during the day), and Dipteryia rosmani (Noctuid Moth sp.). The caterpillars of the butterflies Lycaena helloides (Purplish Copper) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak; eats flowers and buds) are occasionally observed on smartweeds as well.
Many birds eat the seeds: waterfowl, gamebirds, and songbirds. I do not see many waterfowl or gamebirds in my village garden although they are nearby. Songbirds that Smartweed might attract to my garden include the Cardinal, Redwing Blackbird, and a great number of Sparrows – Grasshopper, Savannah, Swamp, Song and Tree. In the winter Juncos will eat the seeds.
The foliage and flowers stand up well. I like that this plant is still blooming at this time of year. I think some Goldenrod mixed in with the Smartweed would be a nice combination.
Consider letting Smartweed star in your flower garden if it happens to volunteer. The birds and bugs will appreciate it and I think you just might appreciate the late fall blooms as well. Also consider Smartweed if you have a pond or wetland area in your garden and wish to attract waterfowl. It does prefer a moist soil. Seeds are available for purchase from Prairie Moon.
Sources: Illinois Wildflowers, USDA Plants Profile, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
