19 Plants That Attract Swallowtail Butterflies

If you ’re passionate about adding a burst of color and life to your garden , few experiences compare to watching morning coat butterfly flutter gracefully among your blooms ! As an greedy gardener who ’s had my fair share of both gardening triumph and setbacks ( I love how thwarting it is when pests take over your garden ! ) , I ’ve determine that opt the proper ambrosia - productive plants can transmute even a modest patch into a bona fide butterfly stroke paradise . These works not only provide a feast for your eyes but also help as vital nectar sources and sometimes even master of ceremonies plants for the larvae of these dramatic butterfly .

I ’m shudder to deal 19 incredible plant that draw swallow-tailed coat butterfly , each with its own aboriginal inheritance and unique garden behavior . Whether you ’re work with a small urban balcony or a straggle backyard , these mintage — crop from herbaceous host to vibrant flowering perennials — promise to invite these graceful louse into your outdoor oasis .

Parsley

Parsley is much more than a culinary staple fibre — it ’s also a attraction for swallowtail butterflies ! Native to the Mediterranean region , this versatile herb put up essential nourishment for the caterpillar of the Eastern Black Swallowtail . I ’m always delighted to see how a border of Petroselinum crispum not only heighten the look of my garden but also invites these outstanding butterflies to sip its nectar and even employ its leaves as a perfect starting degree for laying eggs .

This low herb stay well - behaved and non - encroaching in most garden preferences , create it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike . Its rapid maturation and attractive , feathery foliage contribute texture and movement to your garden , create a dynamic environs that ’s as delicious to cook with as it is to lay eyes on in nature ’s terpsichore of pollenation !

Butterfly Bush

The Butterfly Bush ( Buddleja davidii ) is an exotic marvel that never fails to enamor both butterflies and gardener alike ! Though not native to North America — it hails originally from Asia — this shrub ’s profuse clusters of fragrant bloom serve as a beacon fire for swallowtails and countless other pollinators . I ’m always thrilled by the way its Cascade Mountains of blossoms metamorphose my garden into a vibrant stage , attracting buzzing insects and even offering tiny perches for nature ’s engaged workers .

Despite its undeniable charm , Butterfly Bush can sometimes conduct sharply if left unchecked . as luck would have it , with a little even pruning and aware spatial arrangement , it stay non - invasive and accomplishable . Its striking exhibit and the delightful aroma it releases make it a must - have addition for those who want a show - stopping centerpiece that invites an array of beautiful butterfly to join the political party !

Coneflower

Coneflowers , peculiarly those from the Echinacea genus , are full-bodied , aboriginal perennial that not only enhance your garden ’s visual appeal but also serve as a potent attraction for morning coat butterflies ! Hailing from North America , these daisy - corresponding flowers are famed for their vibrant colour and medicinal attribute , and I ’m continually strike by how their bold , central cone pull in a flurry of pollinators . Their open bodily structure provides a landing place pad for butterflies , which are drawn to the ambrosia blot out within those spectacular petals .

In my own garden , Coneflowers have proven to be non - invasive and remarkably easy to give care for , even in close infinite . They bring an invigorating burst of color and rude appealingness that creates a welcome environment for both butterflies and other beneficial louse . Every time I see a swallow-tailed coat disturbance among these blossom , it feel like a tiny celebration of nature ’s simple yet profound beauty !

Fennel

Fennel is a standout in the garden not only for its redolent leaf and delicate yellow blossom but also for its role as a emcee flora for swallowtail butterfly stroke larvae ! Native to the Mediterranean area , fennel has long been prized for its culinary purpose , yet its feathery , fern - like leave and umbel - shaped blooms also provide an beguiling haven for these enchanting louse . I enjoy the style common fennel metamorphose a garden bed into a bustling microhabitat , where beneficial insects follow to nest and feed .

What make finocchio particularly appealing to impatient gardener is its vigorous , yet non - invasive , growth wont . With minimal care , this herb not only produces an abundance of flavor for your kitchen but also invite a host of butterflies to inspect . Its presence reminds me that sometimes the serious garden treasures are those that help dual purposes — nutrify both your body and your tone with nature ’s marvels !

Queen Anne’s Lace

Queen Anne ’s Lace ( Daucus carota ) is a wildflower with a delicate , lacy show that appeal swallow-tailed coat butterfly with its tiny , nectar - rich blooms ! Native to Europe and Western Asia , this plant has naturalized in many persona of the mankind , create charming clusters that invoke to both gardeners and pollinators . I ’m always intrigue by how its airy , white blossoms seem to trip the light fantastic in the cinch , inviting butterflies to flutter by and even offering a safe seaport for some of nature ’s smaller critters .

Despite its ethereal show , Queen Anne ’s Lace remains a well - behaved plant in most gardens , rarely becoming invasive when decently wield . Its wild , carefree increment and the style it effortlessly attracts beneficial insects make it an first-class choice for gardener looking to add a touch of countrified stunner to their place . Every confrontation with a swallowtail among these finespun umbels fills me with a sense of joyousness and a renewed discernment for nature ’s intricate plan !

Goldenrod

Goldenrod ( Solidago spp . ) is a radiant perennial that not only institute brilliant plash of xanthous to your garden but also dally a vital role in draw in swallowtail butterfly ! aboriginal to North America , this hardy plant produces airy , plumage - like cluster that are a banquet for pollinators , including those graceful butterflies that make out to sip nectar from its abundant peak . I ’m continually amazed by how goldenrod translate even a modest garden into a vibrant , sunlit haven that buzzes with life and activity .

This plant is known for its non - invasive growth habit when care properly , make it a reliable option for gardener of all skill spirit level . Its drought permissiveness and extend blooming period ensure that goldenrod remains a steadfast source of nectar throughout the season . Each time I see a morning coat flutter about these golden clusters , it feels like a little outburst of sunshine in my garden — a delicious reminder of nature ’s unending generosity !

Black-eyed Susan

disastrous - eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia hirta ) is a upbeat wild flower that adds a splash of bright yellow and bold contrast to any garden while attracting morning coat butterfly stroke with its rich ambrosia ! Native to North America , this perennial wild flower is celebrated for its sturdy , daisy - comparable blooms and distinctive dark midpoint . I roll in the hay how Black - eyed Susan creates a active optic tapis in the garden and draws in a host of good louse , including swallowtails that use its vivacious show as a feeding ground .

These robust plant are non - invasive and need minimum maintenance , making them a perfect choice for gardeners who want a tussle - free way to clear up their place . Their long blossom season secure that you ’ll enjoy a uninterrupted flutter of butterflies and bees , creating a live , natural spectacle that ’s both pleasing to the eye and beneficial for your garden ’s ecosystem . Every coup d’oeil at a field of Black - eyed Susan reminds me why I fall in love with horticulture in the first place — a celebration of life in full blooming !

Pipevine

Pipevine , belong to the Aristolochia genus , is a enthralling and unique plant life that encounter a critical role in the lifecycle of the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly ! aboriginal to various parts of North America , this vine produces intricate , often heart - shaped folio and strange heyday that emit a subtle , earthy fragrance . I ’m always fascinate by how Pipevine serves as a host flora for the butterfly ’s larva , put up all-important nourishment and a safe harbor for their early development — a true cornerstone of the garden ’s ecologic Libra .

Although its appearing may seem unlawful , Pipevine is a non - trespassing plant life that flourish with minimal intervention , make it an excellent addition for those interested in fostering a natural habitat . Its power to attract not only swallowtails but also other beneficial insects seduce it a prized constituent of any wildlife - well-disposed garden . Watching the transmutation from caterpillar to coquette on a pipevine leaf is like witnessing nature ’s legerdemain unfold mightily before your eyes !

Lantana

Lantana is a vibrant , multi - hued shrub that injects your garden with tropical style while draw in a legion of swallowtail butterflies and other pollinator ! aboriginal to tropic region of the Americas , lantana brag clusters of brightly colored flowers that commute hue as they get on — an ever - evolve spectacle that never fail to storm me . Its fragrant efflorescence are a veritable magnet for butterflies , who flutter thirstily from flower to flower , adding spirit and movement to any outdoor space .

While lantana is admired for its exuberant exhibit , it ’s important to take down that in some area it can behave invasively if not the right way managed . However , when grown in a controlled garden setting , lantana stay a delicious , non - invading increase that pay back you with a continuous cascade of color and nectar . Its up-and-coming comportment and the joyful terpsichore of swallowtail dally around it make every day in the garden sense like a mini tropical solemnization !

Dill

Dill is a charming herb that not only upgrade your culinary creations but also serves as an essential horde for swallowtail butterfly larvae ! aboriginal to the Mediterranean and West Asia , dill produces delicate , feathery foliage and bantam xanthous flower that exude a insidious , unfermented aroma . I always find it fascinating how Anethum graveolens ’s airy social organisation attracts swallowtails and other pollinators , providing an ideal mise en scene for them to fee and sometimes even lay eggs , ensuring a thriving ecosystem in your garden .

Its ease of cultivation and non - incursive nature make dill weed a everlasting choice for gardeners with modified outer space who still wish well to nurture a rattling habitat . Whether grow in a window boxwood or a dedicated herb layer , Anethum graveolens quick base itself and translate its surroundings into a vibrant , buzzing microhabitat . Every time I see a swallowtail delicately fluttering around my Anethum graveolens works , it fills me with excitement and a renewed common sense of marvel at nature ’s intricate relationships !

Zinnias

Zinnias are a fusillade of color and joy that get down up any garden with their lifelike , daisy - same blossoms and strong nectar yield , withdraw in swallowtail butterfly stroke like no other ! aboriginal to Mexico and the Southwestern United States , these annuals have become beloved for their resiliency and prominent range of colors . I sleep together how zinnias not only offer a arresting visual display but also make a welcoming environs for butterfly , with each bloom act as a mini landing digs for these refined creatures .

These vivacious efflorescence are non - invasive and exceptionally easy to grow , making them a pop choice for gardener with busy schedules . Their rapid bloom cycle stand for that you ’ll enjoy a continuous flow of blossoms and the follow flutter of swallowtail butterfly throughout the time of year . Every time I reap a bouquet of freshly trim down old maid , it cue me that even the simplest plants can transform a garden into a lively , jubilant harbor !

New England Aster

New England Aster is a native wild flower that graces the garden with its starry purple blooms and acts as a powerful magnet for swallowtail butterflies ! Hailing from the woodlands and meadows of North America , this recurrent raise clustering of dainty blossom that exude a sweet , subtle fragrance , draw in a variety of pollinators . I ’m continually impressed by how New England Aster create a soft , innate background in the garden while providing all important nectar for butterfly stroke and other beneficial insects .

This sturdy industrial plant is non - invasive and thrives in well - drained dirt , making it an first-class option for gardener who apprize a touch of risky beauty in their landscape . Its extended blooming period ensure that you ’ll enjoy a prolonged showing of color and natural process throughout the season . Each time I see a morning coat settle on a bunch of aster blooms , it ’s a heartwarming reminder of the rude oscillation that make gardening such a rewarding experience !

Verbena

Verbena , particularly Verbena bonariensis , is a tall , airy perennial that enthral the garden with its clusters of delicate , nectar - rich flowers , idealistic for attracting morning coat butterflies ! aboriginal to South America , this industrial plant is renowned for its slender shape and the style its lilac or purple bloom of youth swing gracefully in the piece of cake , produce a perfect landing flight strip for butterfly . I ’m always delighted by how Verbena impart a touch of elegance and apparent motion to my garden while pass in a variety of pollinator with its abundant nectar .

Its graceful , non - encroaching nature makes Verbena a brilliant choice for small gardens and container planting . With minimal care and a sunny smear , this robust flora rewards you with a continual display of bloom of youth throughout the quick calendar month . Every clip I notice a swallowtail fluttering among the fragile clusters of Verbena , I feel as though I ’ve capture a little piece of nature ’s wizard flop at my doorsill !

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) is a lawful garden stone , celebrated for its smart as a whip orange blossoms that serve as a major haul for swallowtail butterflies and many other pollinators ! Native to the prairie of North America , this low - acquire silkweed offers not only a burst of color but also vital habitat for the caterpillars of various butterfly stroke species . I ’m always thrilled to see these vivacious blooms up close , as they create an inviting atmosphere where butterflies can feed , rod , and even use the flora as a breeding ground .

Despite its spectacular appearing , Butterfly Weed is unmistakably non - invasive when given the right precondition , prosper in well - drained soils and full sun . Its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs make it a favorite among nurseryman who want a high - encroachment , low - effort gain to their landscape . Every time I witness a swallowtail exquisitely sip ambrosia from Butterfly Weed , it reinforces my belief that nature ’s most stunning spectacles are often incur in the simplest of blooms !

Joe-Pye Weed

Joe - Pye Weed ( Eutrochium spp . ) is a towering perennial that fill the garden with clusters of soft , pinkish - purple blooms , leave an resistless seaport for swallow-tailed coat butterfly ! Native to North America , this works thrives in moist , sunny conditions and make a lifelike , hayfield - alike atmosphere in the garden . I love how its rarified stems and airy inflorescences not only add vertical stake but also do as a landing zone for butterflies and other beneficial insect seek ambrosia and tax shelter .

This non - invasive plant is a joy to domesticate , especially in minor gardens where its perpendicular growth can be wield well . With its extended bloom catamenia and power to enhance dirt prolificacy , Joe - Pye Weed resist out as a multipurpose addition to any pollinator - well-disposed garden . Every time a swallow-tailed coat flutters by and lands on its fragile bloom , it sate my garden with life and reminds me of the bare wonders that make garden such a rewarding escapade !

Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a pollyannaish perennial known for its promising , daisy - corresponding flowers that create a full of life , Lord’s Day - drenched presentation and attract swallowtail butterflies with rest ! aboriginal to North America , this flora is cherished for its hardiness and its power to bloom continuously through the summer month . I ’m always ingrain by the way Coreopsis transform a pocket-size garden into a vibrant canvass of yellow , gold , and sometimes even red hue , while inviting butterflies to banquet on its nectar - copious flower .

Its non - trespassing nature and low upkeep requirements make Coreopsis a fantastic selection for gardeners with limited space . With its prolonged bloom season and a structure that support a plurality of pollinators , every inch of Coreopsis becomes a small haven of natural activity . Each encounter with a swallowtail amidst its cheery blossoms is a gleeful affirmation of nature ’s bounty and the rewarding spirit of gardening !

Salvia

Salvia is a versatile and striking perennial that bring a burst of color to any garden , and its nectar - rich spindle are a favourite among swallowtail butterfly stroke ! Native to various regions around the world — from the Mediterranean to Central America — Salvia ’s vivacious hues and intricate bloom structures create a arresting optical treat . I ’m always aroused to learn as these tall , spiky blooms sway in the breeze , attracting not only swallowtails but also bees and hummingbirds , all add to a dynamic and lively garden setting .

This plant is lionise for its easy , non - invasive nature and its adaptability to both container and ground planting . With minimal care and an ability to thrive in full Lord’s Day , Salvia rapidly becomes a focal stage in any garden , tender a steadfast flow of ambrosia that check a never-ending parade of beautiful butterflies . Every metre I see a swallowtail settle on a Salvia stiletto heel , it reinforces my belief in the deception of a well - contrive , pollinator - well-disposed garden !

Pentas

Pentas is a star in the world of butterfly gardening , boasting clusters of star - shaped flowers that serve as resistless attractor for swallow-tailed coat butterfly ! Native to tropical Africa , these heat - have intercourse perennials exhibit vivacious hues of red , pinkish , or snowy that sparkle under the sunlight . I ’m continually delighted by how Pentas make a miniature party in the garden , with each blossom acting as a beacon for butterflies , bee , and other beneficial insect , all come in together to celebrate the dish of nature .

Despite their riotous display , Pentas are typically non - invasive when grow in container or garden beds with right spatial arrangement . Their rapid blooming wheel and comfort of caution make them a brilliant choice for gardeners eager to create a resilient , colorful space that receive swallowtail with overt arms . Every harvest of Pentas blossoms feels like a little fete of life — an affirmation that a thriving garden can be both vibrant and nurturing !

Scabiosa

Scabiosa , unremarkably know as the Pincushion Flower , is a alone and witch perennial that adds texture and intrigue to your garden while attract swallowtail butterflies with its sweet ambrosia ! Native to the Mediterranean and parts of Africa , Scabiosa is known for its distinctive , rounded blooms that resemble delicate pincushions , each a haven for butterfly in search of a quick bite . I love how its mild , pastel colors and intricate detail bring a touch of whimsy and sophism to any garden mount , sparking conversation and admiration from all who jaw .

This wizardly flora is non - invasive and adapts well to various soil types , making it an fantabulous option for gardeners with limited space . With its prolonged blooming period and a natural power to lure beneficial dirt ball , Scabiosa transforms any garden nook into a tranquil retirement where nature ’s beauty spread in sluggish , graceful motions . Every clock time I catch a glimpse of a swallowtail settling gently on its velvety blooms , I ’m remind that the smallest details in the garden can create the most magical moments !