Swallowtail Summer

Whether in moist meadows or dry prairies, a variety of butterflies visit summer blooms.

Showy Tiger Swallowtails are attracted to the sweet nectar of Joe-pye Weed, dancing like rays of sunshine against large lavender flower clusters.

Black Swallowtails sailing against the bright greens and golds of yellow coneflowers are an equally splendid sight.

Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) 
on Spotted Joe-pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) 
on Gray-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

Both mini-collections evoke the rich bounty and biodiversity of summer, with patterns ranging from deep and dramatic to light and airy.