40 Beautiful Continued… Monarch Butterfly Plants (M to S)


Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) is a food source to Monarch butterflies and other nectar drinking insects. Alfalfa grows best in full sun and well-draining nutrient-rich soil.

Cover image details: The field is blooming alfalfa, Medicago sativa_©Orest Lyzhechka/123rf.com

Medicago Sativa
Name:Alfalfa
Binomial Name:Medicago sativa
Life Cycle:Perennial
Sun Needs:Full sun
Soil Needs:Well-draining nutrient-rich soil
Water Needs:Maintain moist soil
Bloom Time:Blooms Summer
USDA Hardiness:4-8
Size:Can grow taller than 24 inches (60 cm)
Butterfly Benefit:Monarch adult food source
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Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)_© augusthalem/123rf.com
Mexican Sunflower
Name:Mexican Sunflower
Binomial Name:Tithonia rotundifolia
Life Cycle:Annual
Sun Needs:Full sun
Soil Needs:Well-draining nutrient-rich soil also tolerates sandy / rocky soil
Water Needs:Maintain moist soil / also tolerates drier soils
Bloom Time:Blooms Summer through Fall
USDA Hardiness:2-11
Size:Can grow taller than 5 feet (1.5 meters)
Butterfly Benefit:Monarch adult food source
Facts:Deer resistance
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Bright pink ‘Miss Molly’ butterfly bush, Buddleia_© khairil77/123rf.com
Miss Molly Bush
Name:Miss Molly Bush
Binomial Name:Buddleia
Life Cycle:Perennial
Sun Needs:Full sun
Soil Needs:Well-draining nutrient-rich soil also tolerates sandy / rocky soil
Water Needs:Maintain moist soil / also tolerates drier soils
Bloom Time:Blooms Summer through Fall
USDA Hardiness:5-9
Size:Can grow larger than 24 inches tall and wide (60 cm)
Butterfly Benefit:Monarch adult food source
Facts:Also attracts hummingbirds
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Butterfly pollinates a bright echinacea flower_© Aliaksei Haiduchyk/123rf.com
Purple Coneflower
Name:Purple coneflower
Binomial Name:Echinacea sp.
Life Cycle:Perennial
Sun Needs:Full sun, partial sun
Soil Needs:Well-draining nutrient-rich soil also tolerates sandy / rocky soil
Water Needs:Maintain moist soil / also tolerates drier soils
Bloom Time:Blooms Summer through Fall
USDA Hardiness:4-8
Size:Can grow taller than 4 feet (1.2 meters)
Butterfly Benefit:Monarch adult food source
Facts:Native to North America
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Summer blooms in the garden. Monarda didyma, Scarlet beebalm_© Orest Lyzhechka/123rf.com
Scarlet Beebalm
Name:Scarlet beebalm
Binomial Name:Monarda didyma
Life Cycle:Perennial
Sun Needs:Full sun, partial sun
Soil Needs:Well-draining nutrient-rich soil
Water Needs:Maintain moist soil
Bloom Time:Blooms late Spring through Fall
USDA Hardiness:4-9
Size:Can grow taller than 4 feet (1.2 meters)
Butterfly Benefit:Monarch adult food source
Facts:This plant is a member of the mint family
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Please note: While we have worked to provide the most accurate information, climate and growing location will impact the size, height, bloom-time, annual/perennial status, and may impact color. We have gathered this data from personal experience, with online resources used for additional clarification. Additional references include google and usda.gov

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As the Garden Path Insider, I am thrilled to share the gardening knowledge I've acquired in my 30 plus years of gardening. I look forward to the opportunity to provide guidance as you continue along your path.

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