Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Esther Read’
Family: Compositae
Common name: SHASTA DAISY
Native to: Garden Origin
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: clumping, erect, open form
Leaves deciduous
Max height: 3.3 feet
Max width: 2 feet
Flower
secondary color present, white/off white
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Plant features: deciduous, naturalizes
Exposure: sun
Landscape uses: container, cut flower
Propagates by: cutting, division, seed
flowers in summer
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zone: zone 9 to +20 f
Temp. range: +20 to +30 °F
Water: dry, regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
flower
leaf
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.
