Attracting Swallowtails

Swallowtail
Swallowtail
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Attracting Swallowtails in Central and Western NY.

A truly spectacular species of butterfly to attract to your garden. As adults many swallowtails look quite similar but as caterpillars, their appearance and preference of foods can vary dramatically.

Attracting Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

(Papilio glaucus)

Caterpillar Hosts: Leaves of various plants including Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina), Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), Basswood (Tilia americana), Tulip tree (Liriodendron), Birch (Betula), Ash (Fraxinus), Cottonwood (Populus), and Willow (Salix).

Attracting Black Swallowtail

Black Swallowtail

(Papilio polyxenes)

Caterpillar Hosts: Leaves of plants in the parsley family (Apiaceae) including Queen Anne’s Lace, carrot, celery and dill.

Attracting Spicebush Swallowtail

Spicebush Swallowtail

(Papilio troilus)

Caterpillar Hosts: Primaily the Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and Sassafras trees (Sassafras albidum).

Favorite Nectar Plants (Adults)

Native

Milkweed (Asclepias), Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium), Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), Bee Balm (Monarda), Ironweed (Vernonia), Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea), Thistles (Cirsium), and Cardinal Flowers (Lobelia cardinalis)

Non-Native

Blazing Star (Liatris), Lantana (Lantana camara), Butterfly Bush (Buddleja), Abelias, Zinnias (especially orange/red), and Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea).