Swallowtail butterflies, specifically black swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes), lay their eggs on a variety of host plants. These plants include celery, sweet fennel, caraway, parsley, and dill. These herbs are commonly found in gardens and can easily be grown in a sunny spot in your backyard.
I have personally had great success in attracting black swallowtail butterflies to my garden by planting a bed of these herbs. The butterflies are drawn to the scent and taste of these plants, making them the perfect choice as host plants for their eggs.
Celery, with its crisp and refreshing taste, is not only a wonderful addition to salads and soups but also a favorite of black swallowtails. Sweet fennel, with its licorice-like flavor, is another herb that these butterflies are attracted to. The feathery leaves of caraway provide a lovely backdrop in the garden while also serving as a host plant for black swallowtail eggs.
Parsley, a versatile herb used in a variety of dishes, is another favorite host plant for black swallowtails. The vibrant green leaves of parsley not only add flavor to our meals but also serve as a food source for the caterpillars. Lastly, dill, with its delicate and aromatic leaves, is another herb that black swallowtails choose to lay their eggs on.
In addition to these herbs, black swallowtails also lay their eggs on common roadside wildflowers such as Queen Anne’s lace. These delicate white flowers, resembling lace, provide a natural habitat for the butterflies to lay their eggs and for the caterpillars to feed on.
Creating a garden bed filled with these host plants not only attracts black swallowtails but also provides a beautiful and fragrant addition to your landscape. The butterflies will visit your garden to lay their eggs, and you will have the pleasure of watching the caterpillars grow and transform into stunning butterflies.
To summarize, black swallowtails lay their eggs on celery, sweet fennel, caraway, parsley, dill, and Queen Anne’s lace. By planting these herbs and wildflowers in your garden, you can easily attract these beautiful butterflies and enjoy the wonder of their life cycle in your own backyard.
