Butterflies are one of God’s creatures that puzzle me. How can something as strange looking as a caterpillar turn into something as mysterious and beautiful as a butterfly? It just doesn’t seem possible. But, if you’d like to get one step closer to seeing this miracle occur, plant some curly leaf parsley in your garden or flower bed! You’ll be amazed at how many black swallowtail caterpillars you’ll attract!
There’s also a bonus to buying something as inexpensive as curly parsley…the caterpillars actually PREFER it over the other flowers in your flowerbed! So save those beautiful blooms by purchasing or growing your own parsley!
Here is a picture of one of the first black swallowtail caterpillars I found on my parsley. (Originally, I only had one plant, but after the caterpillars started munching, I went out and bought two more!)
A black swallowtail butterfly is very similar to what it’s name describes….black in color, with yellow dots, working their way down each wing. They also have a little bit of blue toward the bottom of their tail and are absolutely beautiful!
I haven’t had a chance to capture a picture of them in my butterfly bed, but I know they’re out there. I had three curly leaf parsley plants in my bed and 7-8 caterpillars per plant! It’s just a matter of being at the bed at the right time, but rest assured, the first encounter I have, I will snap a picture and post it for you to see!
