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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....

Dahlia ‘Yellow Dinner Plate’

Family: Compositae

Native to: Mountains Of Mexico To Colombia

Sentiments: dignity, sterility and misrepresentation, treachery and instability

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, erect

Leaves deciduous

Max height: 4 feet

Max width: 4 feet

Flower

yellow

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Plant features: deciduous

Exposure: sun

Landscape uses: container, cut flower

Propagates by: seed

flowers in summer

Soil type: loam

USDA Zone: zone 9 to +20 f

Temp. range: +20 to +30 °F

Water: regular

Butterflies that feed on this plant

Abaeis nicippe

Agraulis vanillae

Danaus plexippus

Eurema salome

Hylephila phyleus

Vanessa atalanta

Vanessa cardui

flower
branch
flower
flower

Dahlia, a deciduous perennial, is a member of the Asteraceae family with 46 species. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes; some grow to 4½ feet tall. They are cultivated in Zone 9 and prefer regular watering. These plants can be grown in a container.

Many colors and forms are available and they appeal to many adult butterflies. That said, it may be that the simpler forms of the plant will be more attractive to them. Try Mystic Desire, Park Princess, Figaro, or Prince Charming.

Dahlia will appeal:
Agraulis vanillae, GULF FRITILLARY
Apodemia mormo, MORMON METALMARK
Callophrys nelsoni, NELSON'S HAIRSTREAK
Danaus plexippus, MONARCH
Junonia coenia, COMMON BUCKEYE
Lerodea eufala, EUFALA SKIPPER
Limenitis archippus, VICEROY
Lycaena phlaeas, AMERICAN COPPER
Neominois ridingsii, RIDINGS' SATYR
Neophasia menapia, PINE WHITE
Phyciodes phaon, PHAON CRESCENT
Plebejus icarioides, BOISDUVAL'S BLUE
Pyrgus communis, COMMON CHECKERED-SKIPPER
Strymon istapa, MALLOW SCRUB-HAIRSTREAK
Vanessa cardui, PAINTED LADY

Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial

This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.

Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.

Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.

By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.

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