Zebra Swallowtail

The larval host of Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus) is any of the eight species of the genus PawPaw (Asimina). I’m in the process of replacing three PawPaw trees that I recently lost. An important quest for me.

Exquisite Zebra Swallowtails depend entirely on PawPaw trees for their very existence. No PawPaw trees, no Zebra Swallowtails.

They’re native to eastern United States and southeast Canada, the state butterfly of Tennessee.

As adults these butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers such as blueberry and blackberry blossoms, lilac, milkweed, redbud, verbena, and dogbane. They also get minerals from moist sand and soil. But they need those PawPaw trees to get started. I’ve got them ordered. Soon to be put in the ground here at the cabin, and OH! Those blooms. I love ’em!

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Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

4 thoughts on “Zebra Swallowtail”

  1. I’m enjoying your postings, but this one is especially wonderful! Sure wish I could plant a Paw Paw tree on our property………………

    1. Aw thanks Mary! PawPaws are small trees. I’ve ordered mine from Toadshade Wildflower Farm in Frenchtown NJ. One of my favorite native plant sources. Give it some thought!

      I’m sure enjoying your pictures of precious little Connor! You, Grandmom, must be having a great time!

      Thanks for reading my posts!
      Bren

      1. Thanks for the tip. I lost 2 of 3 paw-paws (Edible Landscape) and wanted to replace them. Just ordered from Toadshade and hope i have more success with them! I also found a cluster of (what I think are) wild paw-paws, but haven’t see any blossoms. How long do they take to start producing?

        Thanks,

        Tom

        1. Hi Tom,

          Sorry that you too, have lost pawpaw trees. That’s a total bummer! I’ve read that it takes 5 to 7 years for seedling trees to bloom and produce fruit, while grafted trees take 3 to 4 years. Best of luck to you.

          Thanks bunches for reading my posts.
          Bren

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