The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly is a majestic creature, known for its striking orange and black wings with blue and red accents. To support the life cycle of this beautiful butterfly, it’s essential to provide its caterpillars with the right host plants. Host plants are the specific plants that the caterpillars feed on, and they play a crucial role in the butterfly’s survival. In this article, we’ll explore 10 Eastern Tiger host plants that can help ensure the success of these incredible creatures.
Understanding the Importance of Host Plants
Before we dive into the list of host plants, it’s essential to understand why they’re so crucial for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The caterpillars of this butterfly species are specialized to feed on specific plants, and these plants provide them with the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Without the right host plants, the caterpillars won’t be able to survive, and the butterfly population will decline.
1. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Black Cherry is a deciduous tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are a favorite food source for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars. The tree’s bark is reddish-brown, and its fruit is a dark purple color. Black Cherry is a relatively small tree, growing up to 50 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens.
2. Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana)
Sweetbay is an evergreen tree that’s native to the Southeastern United States. Its leaves are aromatic and have a sweet, bay-like fragrance. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars love to feed on Sweetbay leaves, which are a rich source of nutrients. Sweetbay is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 20 feet tall, and it prefers well-drained soil.
3. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Tulip Poplar is a deciduous tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are unique, with a tulip-shaped base and four lobes. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars feed on the leaves of Tulip Poplar, which are rich in nutrients. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall, making it a stunning addition to larger gardens.
4. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Sassafras is a deciduous tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are mitten-shaped and have a unique, aromatic fragrance. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars love to feed on Sassafras leaves, which are rich in nutrients. The tree can grow up to 60 feet tall, and it prefers well-drained soil.
5. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Maple is a deciduous tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are palm-shaped and have a reddish tint in the fall. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars feed on the leaves of Red Maple, which are a rich source of nutrients. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens.
6. Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Yellow Poplar is a deciduous tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are similar to those of the Tulip Poplar, but with a more yellowish tint. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars love to feed on the leaves of Yellow Poplar, which are rich in nutrients. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall, making it a stunning addition to larger gardens.
7. American Plum (Prunus americana)
American Plum is a deciduous shrub or small tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a reddish tint in the fall. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars feed on the leaves of American Plum, which are a rich source of nutrients. The shrub can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens.
8. Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
Wild Cherry is a deciduous tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a reddish tint in the fall. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars love to feed on the leaves of Wild Cherry, which are rich in nutrients. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens.
9. Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)
Pin Cherry is a deciduous shrub or small tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a reddish tint in the fall. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars feed on the leaves of Pin Cherry, which are a rich source of nutrients. The shrub can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens.
10. Chokecherry (Aronia arbutifolia)
Chokecherry is a deciduous shrub or small tree that’s native to Eastern North America. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a reddish tint in the fall. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars love to feed on the leaves of Chokecherry, which are rich in nutrients. The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens.
Key Takeaways
- The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly relies on specific host plants for its caterpillars to survive.
- Providing the right host plants can help support the life cycle of this beautiful butterfly.
- The 10 host plants listed above are all native to Eastern North America and provide a rich source of nutrients for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars.
- By planting these host plants in your garden, you can help support the local butterfly population and enjoy the beauty of these incredible creatures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Host Plants
- Choose the right location: Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade, depending on the specific host plant.
- Prepare the soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
- Plant the host plants: Plant the host plants at the same depth as they were in the nursery, and water thoroughly.
- Water and maintain: Water the host plants regularly, and maintain the soil’s fertility by adding organic matter.
- Enjoy the butterflies: Once the host plants are established, enjoy the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies that visit your garden.
What is the best host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars?
+Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is one of the best host plants for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars. However, other host plants like Sweetbay, Tulip Poplar, and Sassafras are also excellent choices.
How do I care for my host plants?
+Care for your host plants by providing them with well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and regular watering. You should also maintain the soil's fertility by adding organic matter.
Can I grow host plants in containers?
+By following the guidance outlined in this article and providing the right host plants, you can help support the life cycle of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and enjoy the beauty of these incredible creatures in your garden. Remember to choose the right location, prepare the soil, plant the host plants, water and maintain them, and enjoy the butterflies that visit your garden. With the right host plants, you can make a positive impact on the local butterfly population and create a beautiful and thriving garden ecosystem.
