I've seen it posted that Rue is a host plant for the Giant Swallowtails. Then other sources do not mention it. Can someone please set me straight? Please tell me which butterflies use Rue as a host plant.
I've seen plenty of giant swallowtails in my yard, but I can't figure out what their host plant my be. It gets too cold for any citrus trees that I can think of. I was thinking of putting a citrus plant in a pot to maybe attract more to the yard.
This message was edited Jul 15, 2007 9:50 PM
Rue - Host for which butterflies?
Black Swallowtails use Rue. So do GST
http://www.dallasbutterflies.com/Butterfly%20Gardening/Host%20Plants%20by%20Butterfly%20Species.htm
Look at this link in the sticky posted by Donlaclair.
This message was edited Jul 15, 2007 10:55 PM
I've had several varieties of ST's eating my rue. They seem to love it! And fennel, dill and parsley. As long as you have those planted, they have a feast. I've had luck with them crossing from one plant to the other.
Next year, 2 entire raised beds will be dedicated to those plants alone. I have a lot of citrus but it's so tall that I can't see where the cats are....I'm sure they are there.
I've had Black Swallowtails, Giant Swallowtails and the rare Ornythion Swallowtail use rue as a larval host.
~ Cat
Thanks guys. I've just planted about 5 Rue plants. My dill is just about kaput, so I hope that my Rue is worked over.
Oh, my what a coincidence! I just bought 3 of these Rue plants tonight. I remembered it was important to the Swallowtails, and one kind in particular I didn't have yet and wanted (GST) but I couldn't remember which one it was :)) The plants were only 50c each -- maybe I should go back and get more of them tomorrow. :)
I just now looked it up in PFs to make sure it took full sun, and I read about the photodermatitus it causes (to the tune of 2nd degree burns in susceptible people). Sounds like some precautionary measures will be needed in terms of gloves or long sleeves when working with it. http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/312/
Suzy
Yes, some people have a reaction to rue. I haven't had problems with it myself and I have a dozen or so plants growing in my yard and another dozen back at the ranch. Then again, I don't really handle it unless I decide to bring the eggs or caterpillars inside to raise.
That's a great price Suzy. I am lucky to buy them in small pots for a dollar at the flea market when it's in season.
~ Cat
I have just one rue and it is about 8 inches tall. I think I must be doing something wrong with it because I heard they get to be about 5 feet tall.
Can anyone tell me about how to grow really nice rue for the swallowtails???
Also, is it easy to grow from seed?