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....

Ageratina altissima

Family: Asteraceae

Common name: WHITE SNAKEROOT

Synonym: Eupatorium rugosum

Native to: Eastern North America

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, erect

Max height: 6.6 feet

Max width: 4 feet

Flower

white/off white

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Bird uses plant for shelter or cover or cavity: cover

Plant features: toxic

Exposure: light shade

Propagates by: seed

flowers in summer

Soil types: gravelly or rocky, loam

USDA Zones: 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

Temp. range: -30 to +30 °F

Water: dry, regular

Ageratina, a genus containing 337 species, is a member of the Celastraceae family. Ageratina altissima tolerates dry conditions. It grows from seed to 6½ feet tall and prefers light shade. It is a native wildflower in eastern North America.

Wikipedia discuss toxicity problems with this plant: "when the plants are consumed by cattle, the meat and milk become contaminated with toxin. When milk or meat containing the toxin is consumed, the poison is passed on to humans. If consumed in large enough quantities, it can cause tremetol poisoning in humans."

It is possible this toxicity is part of its appeal to butterflies, as many of them nectar on plants in this genus. Blossoms of Ageratina attract the MONARCH to feed as well as numerous other butterflies.