Seeing Black Swallowtail butterflies in gardens and natural habitats is a visual delight and an ecological boon. By fluttering from flower to flower, they play a crucial role in pollination, helping to maintain the biodiversity of their ecosystems. source

The Black Swallowtail butterfly has earned its nicknames from the host plants they use for their caterpillars. “Orange Dog” refers to their affinity for citrus trees. “Parsnip” and “Black Anise” come from their love for herbs including dill, carrots, celery, fennel, and Queen Anne’s Lace. Consider planting these near each other to attract natural predators, improve the soil, and grow food instead of weeds around your citrus trees. That is truly winning and using the precious little water we have in Southern California. Here’s a fun fact: The Black Swallowtail butterfly, a speed demon in the air, loves to hang around flowers, enjoying their delicious nectar. It’s not surprising that they’ve earned these adorable nicknames from the plants their caterpillars call home. They’ve got “Orange Dog” for their love of citrus trees and “Parsnip” and “Black Anise” for their penchant for herbs like dill, carrots, celery, and fennel. Queen Anne’s Lace is a wildflower and readily reseeds when allowed. It’s considered a weed in some places.