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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....

Hesperis matronalis

Family: Brassicaceae

Common names: DAMASK VIOLET, DAMES VIOLET, SWEET ROCKET

Native to: Southern Europe To Siberia

Plant

Types: biennial, perennial

Form: erect

Max height: 3.3 feet

Max width: 3.3 feet

Flower

pink, violet, white/off white

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Plant features: self-sows

Exposure: light shade, part shade, sun

Landscape uses: container, flower fragrant

Propagates by: seed

flowers in spring

flowers in summer

Soil type: well drained

USDA Zones: 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

Temp. range: -40 to +30 °F

Water: drought tolerant

Butterflies that feed on this plant

Ancyloxypha numitor

Danaus plexippus

Epargyreus clarus

Papilio eurymedon

Polites coras

Polites mystic

Vanessa atalanta

Hesperis matronalis, a member of the Brassicaceae family is also called DAMASK VIOLET, DAME'S VIOLET, or SWEET ROCKET. It produces violet, pink, or off-white blooms in spring and summer, grows in Zones 3-9, and generally grows to just over 3' tall by 3' wide. Drought tolerant, it favors full sun or part shade, well-drained soil, and can be grown from seed. It can also be grown in a container. Biologically, this wildflower is a biennial, but because it self-sows so readily, it is also treated as a short-lived perennial.

Of the long list of butterflies that are attracted to Brassicaceae, Hesperis species in particular attract two butterflies - Anthocharis stella, Stella Orangetip, and Anthocharis thoosa, Southwestern Orangetip. Hesperis matronalis in particular attracts two additional butterflies as well: Battus philenor, Pipevine swallowtail, and Papilio cresphontes, Giant swallowtail.

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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