Best host plants for swallowtail butterflies
Swallowtail butterflies are among the largest and most recognizable butterflies in North America. Unlike generalists that use many host plants, most swallowtail species have specific host plant requirements -- some highly specific, others moderately so. Per Xerces Society, planting the correct host.
Swallowtail butterflies are among the largest and most recognizable butterflies in North America. Unlike generalists that use many host plants, most swallowtail species have specific host plant requirements — some highly specific, others moderately so. Per Xerces Society, planting the correct host species for the swallowtails native to your region is far more effective than planting generalist nectar sources.
This guide addresses five North American swallowtail species and their host plant requirements, sourced primarily from Xerces Society and University of Florida IFAS lepidopteran host plant databases.
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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) hosts
1. Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree)
Zones 4–9 | Full sun | Height: 60–90 ft
Per Xerces Society, tulip tree is one of the most important host trees for eastern tiger swallowtail in the eastern US. The large scale of the tree means caterpillar damage is essentially invisible in a landscape tree. Per Missouri Botanical Garden, it is also an outstanding ornamental tree with large tulip-shaped flowers and excellent fall color.
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2. Prunus spp. (Wild Cherry, Black Cherry)
Zones 3–9 | Full sun | Height: 30–80 ft
Per Xerces Society, wild cherry species (Prunus serotina, P. virginiana) are primary eastern tiger swallowtail hosts. They are also used by several other swallowtail species. Ornamental cherry cultivars are functional hosts; the native wild cherries are preferred for their additional wildlife value.
3. Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia)
Zones 5–10 | Full sun to part shade | Height: 10–35 ft
Per UF IFAS Extension, sweetbay magnolia is a documented host for eastern tiger swallowtail. Semi-evergreen in zones 7–10, deciduous in colder zones. Lemon-scented white flowers in May–July.
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