I had the strange experience this year of having Long-Tailed Skippers lay eggs on this plant. It is NOT a host plant for them, but apparently it must seem similar enough to fool them. If you're growing for butterflies, be aware this can happen. If you don't want the Long-Tailed Skippers to die, you might consider planting one of their real host plants nearby, such as butterfly pea.

That being said, I'm growing this plant in raised beds in a shady side of the yard. I have two and both were easy to establish even in the Florida summer and they have taken to growing up the trellis with ease. I have hosted Polydamas Swallowtail caterpillars on the plant; they can eat it a lot faster than it grows, so be careful! Both got pretty chewed up but rebounded quickly once the caterpillars were gone. I think this is a very worthwhile addition to any butterfly garden, particularly since it can host both the Pipevine and Polydamas Swallowtails.

Reply to this comment

Woodland vine. Pipevine Swallowtail females lay their eggs on new growth.

Reply to this comment