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....

Senecio glastifolius

Family: Compositae

Common name: LARGE SENECIO

Native to: South Africa

Plant

Types: annual, perennial

Form: erect

Max height: 3.3 feet

Max width: 3.3 feet

Flower

magenta/purple

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Plant features: self-sows

Exposure: sun

Landscape use: container

Propagates by: seed

flowers in summer

Soil type: well drained

USDA Zones: zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f

Temp. range: +20 to +30 °F

Water: dry, regular

There are 1666 species of Senecio, a member of the Compositae (Aster) family. It also goes by the name DUSTY MILLER. Senecios in cultivation are cineraria (perennial), glastifolius (perennial), mandraliscae (cactus and succulent), rufiglandulosus (cactus and succulent), and serpens (cactus and succulent). They flower in summer, range in height from 1 to 3½ feet, and will grow in moderate to dry conditions. Most are hardy to Zone 9.

Senecio glastifolius, also call LARGE SENECIO, a South African native, is grown as either a perennial or an annual. It grows to 3 1/3 high and wide in sun in well-drained soil in Zone 9 or 10. The simple leaves are alternate, green, lanceolate, and pointed. Grow it from seed and try it in a container. Give it regular or dry water. The purple flowers come out in summer.

As a Compositae it appeals to a great many butterflies.
Senecio in particular appeals to:
Atrytonopsis deva, Deva Skipper
Rekoa palegon, Gold-bordered Hairstreak
Apodemia mormo, Mormon Metalmark

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.