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....

Leucanthemum frutescens
(sold as Silver Double)

Family: Asteraceae

Common name: MARGUERITE

Synonym: Chrysanthemum frutescens

Native to: Garden Origin

Sentiments: cheerfulness and optimism, chrysanthemum truth, gentleness and innocence, long life and happiness, purity in thought and loyal love, rest and ease

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, erect, open form

Leaves evergreen

Max height: 3.3 feet

Max width: 3.3 feet

Flower

white/off white

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, beneficial insects, bird, specific butterfly species

Bird species attracted to plant: flycatcher, jay, martin, oriole, phoebe swallow, sparrow, swift

Plant features: evergreen

Exposure: sun

Landscape uses: container, cut flower

Propagates by: cutting, division, seed

flowers in fall

flowers in spring

flowers in summer

Soil type: well drained

USDA Zone: zone 9 to +20 f

Temp. range: +20 to +30 °F

Water: dry, regular

Leucanthemum, also known as SHASTA DAISY or MARGUERITE, is widely available. A member of the Compositae family (Aster family) that contains 53 species, it will attract beneficial insects, birds, and butterflies. Leucanthemum grows from seed, division, or cutting, and is available in 1, 2, or 3 foot heights in Zone 9. It will grow in moderate to dry watering conditions.

Plants in the Compositae family attract a long list of butterflies (see Compositae family entry). A novel butterfly attracted to Leucanthemum is Lycaena phlaeas, AMERICAN COPPER.

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.