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Speaker Preview: Herbs for Butterfly Gardening August’s Speaker

The following is a list of herbs to grow in your garden to attract butterflies. Females will  search for these Larval Host Plants on which to lay their eggs, as their larvae (caterpillars)  will eat only specific plants. Moths tend to be less specific, so are not listed.

GROW THIS HERB...                    ... FOR THESE BUTTERFLIES.

Apiaceae: carrot, fennel, dill, parsley     Eastern Black Swallowtail

Aristolochia (Dutchman’s pipe)             Gold Rim Swallowtail

Citrus cultivars, wild lime, orange, jasmine     Giant Swallowtail

Bays, magnolias                                  Various Swallowtails (Central & North) 

Passion flower/fruit                              Zebra Longwing, Gulf Fritillary, Julia

Cabbage, broccoli, mustard, peppergrass,  nasturtiums  Various Whites, Cabbage White, Great  Southern White

Cassia, Senna                                        Various Sulphurs

Legumes                                             Various Skippers

Yucca                                                 Giant Skipper

Nettles                                               Red Admiral

Plantain                                              Buckeye