Native Host Plants

My absolute favorite butterfly! What's your favorite butterfly? I found these on Ptelea trifoliata - Hop Tree. A fantastic, small understory tree growing 15-20'. Great for dry shade or moist shade. Flowers in June are a must for early native pollinators.

Pictures: KMS Native Plants LLC

A quick video of a Black Swallowtail caterpillar feeding on its native host plant, Zizia aurea - Golden Alexander. It's amazing how fast they eat.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar on one of it's host plant, Ptelea trifoliata (Hop Tree or Wafer Ash). Native to Long Island, this underutilized shrub should be in everyone's yard even if it's just to get these adorable caterpillars. The greenish yellow flowers in June are covered with pollinators. Flowers are followed by showy 'wafers' that hold the seed. Growing 15-20' tall in full sun to full shade in dy to wet soil, it fits almost everywhere. Wafer Ash is also the host plant for Black Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail and several moths.