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....

Mentha spicata

Family: Lamiaceae

Common names: NATIVE SPEARMINT, SPEARMINT

Synonym: Mentha viridis

Native to: Europe, Southwest Asia

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, erect

Leaves evergreen

Flower

violet

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bee, specific butterfly species

Plant features: evergreen, naturalizes

Edible: herb

Exposure: sun

Landscape uses: container, foliage aromatic, ground cover

Propagates by: seed

Soil type: wide range

USDA Zones: zone 1 below -50 f, zone 2 -50 f, zone 3 -40 f, zone 4 -30 f, zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f

Temp. range: below -50 to +40 °F

Water: regular

Butterflies that feed on this plant

There are 56 species of Mentha, or MINTS, a Lamiaceae. Most are easily cultivated by division and will grow in Zones 1-10. They prefer regular watering. Some MINTS are invasive so controlling them in a garden setting is wise. The culinary attributes of M. piperita and M. spicata are legion - the other species are not cultivated for human consumption. M. puleguium is toxic - do not eat it! Mentha gattefossei grows to 2½ feet tall.

This mint is edible.

Mentha attracts:
Atalopedes campestris, Sachem
Celastrina argiolus
Colias harfordii, Harford's Sulphur
Echinargus isola, Reakirt's Blue
Euphyes vestris, Dun Skipper
Euptoieta claudia, Variegated Fritillary
Junonia coenia, Common Buckeye
Pholisora catullus, Common Sootywing
Pieris rapae, Cabbage White
Speyeria hesperis, Northwestern Fritillary
Staphylus hayhurstii, Hayhurst's Scallopwing
Strymon melinus, Gray Hairstreak

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.