Butterflies in Mind -- Zinnia
Susan C. Dunlap
A collection of 50 images as if seen from a butterfly’s point of view. Includes the names of native Zinnia species and the most complete list of US butterflies that will feed on Zinnia blossoms.
Butterflies in Mind -- Asclepias
Susan C. Dunlap
“Milkweed is the single most important plant for Monarch butterflies. This lavishly illustrated book contains details about the structure and cultivation of native Milkweeds, information about the 139 nectar-feeding butterflies they...
Butterflies in Mind -- Monarch
Susan C. Dunlap
This abundantly illustrated volume enables you to select from a complete list of well described perennial nectar plants that are known to attract & feed Monarch butterflies. Over 40 genera are described that are suitable to be grown...
Butterflies in Mind -- Perennials
Susan C. Dunlap
Butterflies in Mind - Perennials. This book is a definitive guide to perennial nectar plants preferred by US butterflies. It empowers you to feed, attract, support (and help identify) nectar-feeding butterflies that reside in the US....

Strymon limenia, Disguised Scrub-Hairstreak.

The Strymon limenia is just over 1” to 1 ½” wide. It is primarily grey with a few markings and a tiny tail on its hind wing. Creative Commons images are shown here of the butterfly and its primary nectar plants.

This butterfly’s range includes the Caribbean and “North America”. All of the ninety-year-old pinned specimens found were either from Haiti or Cuba. One might guess that an occasional stray makes it to the gulf states.

Plant an Abutilon if you see a Strymon limenia – Abutilon fruticosum is native to Texas, and Abutilon hirtum and theophrasti are native to the Florida Keys.

Bidens pilosa is very beloved by many butterflies – 35 in all – so is a good one to plant.

Hibiscus attracts 23 butterflies including the Strymon limenia so it would be a good one to plant as well. There are numerous Hibiscus native or naturalized in both Florida and Texas. If you are in Florida you might try Hibiscus moscheutos, rosa-sinensis, or trionum. If in Texas try Hibiscus moscheutos, syriacus, or trionum.

It is interesting to note the similarities in the flower structure of Abutilon and Hibiscus. This similarity demonstrates the tendency of butterflies to feed on plants with comparable floral structures.