🦋 US Butterflies! Click here for data and ℹ️
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....

Calendula officinalis

Family: Compositae

Common names: COMMON MARIGOLD, MARIGOLD, POT MARIGOLD, RUDDLES, SCOTCH MARIGOLD

Native to: Origin Unknown

Sentiment: grief

Plant

Types: annual, perennial

Forms: clumping, erect

Max height: 2.3 feet

Max width: 1.5 feet

Flower

orange, yellow

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Exposure: part shade, sun

Landscape uses: container, flower fragrant

Propagates by: seed

flowers in fall

flowers in summer

Soil type: well drained

USDA Zones: zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f

Temp. range: -10 to +40 °F

Water: moderate

Butterflies that feed on this plant

Danaus plexippus

Calendula, or MARIGOLD (or Pot Marigold, or Ruddles, or Scotch Marigold), is a genus in the Aster family (Compositae) with 24 species. Orange flowering Calendula officinalis is widely cultivated. Yellowish blossoms are also grown. Double flowering varieties are available, but information about the density of nectar contained in them is not well known. An image search suggests butterflies prefer the primary species. It is a 2½-foot tall perennial or annual and grows from seed in Zones 6-10. It flowers in summer and fall and prefers moderate watering. It can be grown in sun or part shade. As a late-season blossom, Calendula officinalis will attract many butterflies that feed.

Calendula officinalis can be grown in containers.

As a Compositae, those butterflies listed on the left pane, will be attracted to feed on Calendula.
Nathalis iole, DAINTY SULPHUR and Vanessa virginiensis, AMERICAN LADY in particular are attracted to this plant.

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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