There is a growing and good trend to have native plants in the yard for native pollinators, butterflies etc. There is also confusion and inconsistencies abounding which leaves me scratching head. There is also a difference (often) between flowers that provide nectar and the host plants for hungry caterpillars. We like our yards to be pollinator friendly in food (nectar flowers) and habitat. A few things come to mind.
There are advocates for planting milkweed native to one's region. That is basically good, but most of us bend the basics. Does the monarch have GPS to say it is in W TN and shouldn't lay eggs on a milkweed not from here?! What about the pretty cultivars? The flowers are good for many pollinators, and adults nectar on many different flowers. Such as zinnias (not native). Note. If there's coneflower, zinnias etc blooming, and milkweeds not in bloom, adult butterfly may find her nectar food then lay eggs on milkweed leaves.
Black swallowtails nectar on many different flowers, and lay eggs on parsley, dill and others in family. Those herbs are introduced.
I am like many others and let some herbs (thyme, oregano, basil) go to flower for the bees. Most are introduced plants. I have several catnip pots around the yard. I let it go to flower, bee magnet, cut back and let it grow out for more. I'm trying rubbing the leaves on arms and legs as skeeto repellent. Honey bees are introduced, so in a different category!
About those hummers we love! How many of us have crocosmia, red salvias, pineapple sage and more for their benefit?!
Some flowers I see suggested for pollinators and butterflies-
zinnias
butterfly bush
lantana
salvias (not ones native to one's region)
Mexican sunflower
parsley, dill, fennel etc.
rue
This is thinking out loud, open for discussion, not argument!