Daisies are widely recognized for their cheerful appearance, and the direct answer to whether they attract butterflies is a definitive yes. The term “daisy” refers to many flowering plants within the large Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers, asters, and coneflowers. Many species within this family are excellent nectar sources, making them a popular choice for promoting pollinator activity in a garden space. Understanding the specific structure of these blooms helps gardeners optimize their planting for maximum butterfly attraction.
The Attraction Mechanism
What appears to be a single daisy flower is actually a tightly packed cluster of many tiny flowers, known as a composite flower head. This structure provides two advantages for a foraging butterfly. The flattened shape of the flower head creates a stable and easy landing platform, which butterflies require to land and unfurl their long proboscis. The second advantage is the concentrated nectar source found in the center of the bloom. This center is composed of numerous fertile disc florets that produce nectar and pollen. These florets are packed closely together, allowing a butterfly to access multiple rewards with minimal movement and energy expenditure. The outer “petals” are sterile ray florets, serving primarily to attract the butterfly to the nectar-rich center.
Daisy Varieties and Pollinator Preferences
The effectiveness of a daisy in attracting butterflies depends significantly on its specific variety and flower form. Single-flowered daisies, which feature a clear, open center, are far more appealing to butterflies than their highly hybridized counterparts. In single flowers, the nectar and pollen are readily visible and accessible, allowing the butterfly to feed quickly and efficiently.
Ornamental double-flowered varieties, such as some Gerbera or highly bred Shasta daisies, are often less beneficial to pollinators. These cultivars have been selectively bred to convert their pollen-producing stamens into extra petals, creating a dense, fluffy bloom. This genetic alteration reduces the amount of available nectar and pollen, while the mass of petals physically blocks a butterfly’s access to the remaining food source. Opting for single-petaled varieties like the native Oxeye Daisy or the classic single-ring Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) is the best strategy for supporting butterflies.
Beyond the Bloom: Essential Habitat Needs
Attracting adult butterflies with nectar-rich daisies is only one part of creating a thriving butterfly habitat. A successful environment must also support the insect’s entire life cycle, including the egg, larva (caterpillar), and pupa stages. This requires planting specific host plants, which are the only types of vegetation certain caterpillars will feed on before metamorphosis. Butterflies are particular about where they lay their eggs, ensuring their offspring have the necessary food source to survive.
The garden must also include a consistent source of water and vital nutrients, often provided via a puddling area. Butterflies, particularly males, gather at damp soil, sand, or mud to extract salts, amino acids, and minerals not present in nectar. This puddling behavior is important for reproductive success and overall health. Finally, shelter from rain, wind, and predators is necessary, which can be achieved by incorporating shrubs, trees, or letting a small area of the garden remain overgrown for roosting.