Lobularia maritima
(sold as Easter Bonnet Mix)
Family: Brassicaceae
Common name: MADWORT
Synonym: Alyssum maritimum easter bonnet mix
Native to: Mediterranean
Sentiment: worth
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: clumping, mounding, spreading
Max height: 1 foot
Max width: 0.48 feet
Flower
magenta/purple, white/off white
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Plant features: naturalizes, self-sows
Exposure: light shade, sun
Landscape use: container
Propagates by: seed
flowers in summer
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zone: zone 9 to +20 f
Temp. range: +20 to +30 °F
Water: dry, moderate
Butterflies that feed on this plant
flower
flower
Lobularia is a member of the Brassicaceae family with 10 species. Lobularia maritima, or MADWORT, is cultivated. It grows to 1 foot high, naturalizes in various settings, and grows from seed in Zone 9. It prefers dry to moderate watering.
Adult butterflies that feed on plants in this family include Anthocharis stella, STELLA ORANGETIP, Euchloe hyantis, CALIFORNIA MARBLE, and Euchloe lotta, DESERT MARBLE.
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.
