In the savannas where the research took place, the seasonal timing of flowering had a big influence on how butterflies foraged for nectar. "Later in the summer when conditions were drier, native flowers were really sparse," described Dr. Heather Kharouba, Associate Professor of Biology in the Faculty of Science at the University of Ottawa. "So non-native plants, by continuing to flower later in the summer, could be extending the availability of nectar for butterflies." A preference for non-native flowers?