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An Easy Butterfly Gardener’s Guide to Fargo, ND Swallowtails

Fargo, North Dakota is located in eastern North Dakota in the United States. Fargo is located within USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4. In the Fargo area, there are six species of swallowtail butterflies that you can host in your butterfly garden. Another species is a rare migrant and can be attracted, if present, with nectar plants.

Location of Fargo, ND and Cass County

Map of the location of Fargo and Cass County, North Dakota.
Map of Fargo and Cass County, ND — http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:25or6to4, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Fargo area as covered in this post covers Cass County in North Dakota. The list of species includes those that occur in this county and nearby to it.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in Fargo, North Dakota

Map of the USDA Plant Hardiness zones of the state of North Dakota.
Map of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in North Dakota — USDA Public Domain

Fargo, ND and Cass County are within zone 4. When selecting plants you will want to get those that can handle temperatures as cold as -30F to be sure they will survive.

Canadian Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) and its host plants in Fargo, North Dakota

Brown caterpillar of canadian swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) on log.
Brown Caterpillar of Canadian Swallowtail — Sherby71, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Green caterpillar of canadian Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis).
Caterpillar of Canadian Swallowtail — Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Adult Canadian Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) on a leaf.
Canadian Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) — Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Adult canadian swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) with folded wings.
Canadian Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) — ALAN SCHMIERER, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Canadian Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)

The canadian swallowtail flies through the northeast and northern tier of the United States including Alaska and Canada. It has orange-brown eggs that are laid on the host plant. The caterpillar is brown at first to look like a bird dropping and then turns green later. The pupa then overwinters to emerge in the spring.

In the late spring to early summer (May to July) (McCabe and Post 1976) the adult butterflies start to fly. They have a wingspan of 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) to 3 inches (7.6 cm) inches and are yellow with black striped markings. It differs in coloration from the eastern tiger swallowtail in that the black stripes are not continuous to the bottom.

Plants that Host the Canadian Swallowtail

The canadian swallowtail, like the tiger swallowtails, are generalists. They use members of a number of genera as hosts, primarily from members of the Birch Family (Betulaceae), Rose Family (Rosaceae), Willow Family (Salicaceae), and the Maple Family (Aceraceae). In the Fargo, ND area these include:

  • Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina): a tree
  • Fire Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica): a shrub to tree
  • Great Lakes Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila): a shrub
  • Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides): a tree
  • Bog Birch (Betula pumila) a shrub to tree
  • Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera): a tree
  • Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica): a tree
Autumn foliage on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides).
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) — Satsuuma, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Leaves and flowers of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica).
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) — Laval University, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) and its host plants in Fargo, North Dakota

Yellow of egg of giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) on a green leaf.
Egg of Giant Swallowtail — Anne Toal from US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brownish-black caterpillar of giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) on a leaf.
Caterpillar of Giant Swallowtail — Aaron Carlson from Menomonie, WI, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wkimedia Commons
Brown chrysalis of giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) attached to a leaf.
Brown chrysalis of Giant Swallowtail — Ianaré Sévi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Adult of giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) butterfly on vegetation.
Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) — ALAN SCHMIERER, CC0, via Wkimedia Commons

Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)

The giant swallowtail flies throughout the United States and southeast Canada, except for the northwest. In Fargo it is considered to be a rare migrant into the area (McCabe and Post 1976). Beyond North America it ranges into Central America and the Caribbean Islands. It is the largest butterfly in North America (Wikipedia). It has brownish-orange eggs that are laid on the host plants. The caterpillars have five stages or instars before pupating, which takes about two weeks. The adult butterflies have a wingspans ranging from about 5.5 inches (14 cm) to 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) and are black and yellow colored.

Plants that Host the Giant Swallowtail

The giant swallowtail is generally hosted by members of the Rue Family (Rutaceae), of which there is one primary plant in the Fargo area, the toothache tree.

  • Toothache tree (Zanthoxylum americanum) — a native tree at the northern limit of its range in North Dakota.
Toothache tree (Zanthoxylum americanum) in fruit.
Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum americanum) — Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and its host plants in Fargo, North Dakota

Green egg of eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) on a green leaf.
Egg of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) — USFWS, Public domain, via WIkimedia Commons
Brown caterpillar of eastern tiger swallowtail on green leaf.
Brown Caterpillar of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail — Jim Conrad, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Green caterpillar of eastern tiger swallowtail on green leaf.
Green Caterpillar of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail — Jacy Lucier, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eastern tiger swallowtail on flower.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail — Shenandoah National Park from Virginia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Black form of eastern tiger swallowtail on vegetation.
Female Black Form of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail — Shenandoah National Park from Virginia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

The Eastern Tiger swallowtail flies in the mid-western and eastern United States from the Rocky Mountains and east. In the Eastern US it is likely one of the most distinctive swallowtails. The light green eggs are laid on the host plants. The caterpillar has five stages; with the first three a brown color and the last two as a green color. The brown chrysalis is placed in on trunks or on fallen leaves.

The adults have a wingspan of 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 5.5 inches (14 cm) and have two color schemes. The yellow and black is the most distinctive, but the females also have a dark black phase that mimics the pipevine swallowtail (see image). This butterfly often flies from May to September in North Dakota (McCabe and Post 1976).

Plants that Host the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

The eastern tiger swallowtail is a generalist and uses members of a number of genera as host plants. Some species in the Fargo area include:

  • Members of the Prunus genus (Cherries and Plums)
  • Members of the Betula genus (Birch)
  • Members of the Populus genus (Poplar and Cottonwood)
  • Members of the Fraxinus genus (Ash)
Close-up of white flowers of wild black cherry (Prunus serotina).
Flowers of Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) — Author Image
Autumn foliage on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides).
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) — Satsuuma, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) and its host plants in Fargo, North Dakota

Orange egg of old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon) on twig.
Egg of Old World Swallowtail — Zeynel Cebeci, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Caterpillar of old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon) on vegetation.
Caterpillar of Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) — Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Adult of old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon) on white flower.
Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) — Dendrofil, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

The old world swallowtail is common in the Arctic regions and in Europe and North America. In North America it flies from the midwest and western United States, including Alaska, and western Canada.

The orange eggs are laid on the host plants. The caterpillar is black and white with orange spots.

The adult is black and yellow with blue markings on the hindquarters and two red eyespots. The wingspan is about 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) to 3.5 inches (8.9 cm). Sometimes the black coloring is washed out and more yellowish.

Plants that Host the Old World Swallowtail

The old world swallowtail utilizes plants in the Carrot Family (Apiaceae) as host plants. In the Fargo area, these include:

  • Cut-leaf Water Parsnip (Berula erecta): a herbaceous plant
  • Spotted Water-Hemlock (Cicuta maculata): a herbaceous plant
  • Canadian Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis): a herbaceous plant
  • American Cow-Parsnip (Heracleum maculatum): a herbaceous plant
  • Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis): a herbaceous plant
  • Heart-leaf Alexander (Zizia aptera): a herbaceous plant
White flowers of american cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum).
American cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum) — Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plant of aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis) with white flowers.
Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis) — Mason Brock (Masebrock), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) and its host plants in Fargo, North Dakota

Black and white caterpillar of black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) on vegetation.
Black and White Caterpillar of Black Swallowtail — Inklet Arts, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Green and yellow caterpillar of black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).
Caterpillar of Black Swallowtail — NCBioTeacher, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Greenish-brown chrysalis of black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).
Chrysalis of Black Swallowtail — Photo by and (c)2009 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man), GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons
Black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) on fence.
Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) — Kaldari, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

The black swallowtail flies in most of the United States, except for the Northwest. The yellow eggs are laid on the host plants and take about a week to hatch. The caterpillars are at first black colored but later have green, black, and yellow coloring and last from a week to a month. The butterflies then survive the winter as a chrysalis.

The adults have a wingspan of 2.5 (6.4 cm) to 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) and are black colored with yellow spots along the wings and a red eyepsot near the tail on the top. The underside has orange spots. It flies from May to September in North Dakota (McCabe and Post 1976).

Plants that Host the Black Swallowtail

The black swallowtail is a generalist and uses members of the carrot family (Apiaceae) as host plants. Some species in the Fargo area include:

  • Bulblet-bearing Water-Hemlock (Cicuta bulbifera): a herbaceous plant
  • Spotted Water-Hemlock (Cicuta maculata): a herbaceous plant
  • Canadian Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis): a herbaceous plant
  • Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis): a herbaceous plant
  • Hemlock Water-Parsnip (Sium suave): a herbaceous plant
  • Golden Alexander (Zizia aptera): a herbaceous plant
Plant of spotted water-hemlock (Cicuta maculata).
Spotted Water-Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) — Williammehlhorn at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Yellow flowers of golden alexander (Zizia aurea).
Flowers of Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) — Cbaile19, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Anise Swallowtail (Papilo zelicaon) and its host plants in Fargo, North Dakota

Green and black caterpillar of anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) on leaf.
Green and Black Caterpillar of Anise Swallowtail — Bento00, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Adult anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) on yellow willow flower.
Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) — ALAN SCHMIERER, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Female anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) on ground.
Female Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) — Eugene Zelenko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)

The spicebush swallowtail flies in the mid-western and eastern United States. The greenish eggs are laid on the leaves of spicebush. The caterpillars are brown at first but then turn yellow. The chrysalis is attached to leaves on the ground.

The adults have a wingspan of 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 4 inches (10.2 cm) and are black with white spots along the bottom and a red eyespot on the bottom middle. It flies from May to July (McCabe and Post 1976).

Plants that Host the Spicebush Swallowtail

The anise swallowtail feeds, like a number of other swallowtails, feeds on members of the Carrot Family (Apiaceae). Some species in this family in the Fargo area include:

  • Bulblet-bearing Water-Hemlock (Cicuta bulbifera): a herbaceous plant
  • Spotted Water-Hemlock (Cicuta maculata): a herbaceous plant
  • Canadian Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis): a herbaceous plant
  • Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis): a herbaceous plant
  • Hemlock Water-Parsnip (Sium suave): a herbaceous plant
  • Golden Alexander (Zizia aptera): a herbaceous plant
Hemlock water-parsnip (Sium suave) with white flowers.
Hemlock Water-parsnip (Sium suave) — Fritzflohrreynolds, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plant of spotted water-hemlock (Cicuta maculata).
Spotted Water-Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) — Williammehlhorn at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Note: The Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is considered to be a rare migrant into the Fargo area. Its main host plants, spicebbush (Lindera benzoin) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum), do not occur in the area. A study by Scriber, et al 2008 found that this species feeds exclusively on members of the Lauraceae.

Nectar Plants to Consider Putting in Your Garden

Plant of meadow blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis) with lavender flowers.
Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis) — Nadiatalent, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While the swallowtails need certain species of plants to use as hosts, the adults also need nectar plants to visit in order get nourishment. Nectar plants can also help other insects such as bees. Some common nectar plants that can be grown in the Fargo, ND area include:

  • Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) — Also benefit the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
  • Spotted Joe-Pye-Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
  • Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
  • Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) (Barrows 1977)
  • Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis)
  • Dotted Gayfeather (Liatris punctata)
  • Coneflowers (Rudbeckia spp.)
  • Goldenrods (Solidago spp.)
  • Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
  • Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much land do I need to start a butterfly garden?

Every plant that you can grow can make a difference for visitors to your garden, especially in urban areas. Potted plants are also useful en masse for pollinators. When planting your garden, make sure you plant both the host plants and nectar plants for the adults to feed on.

Where should I get my plants?

For pollinators, it is best to have native plant species. The insects will be used to these plants more than ones from other places. Be sure you get your plants from a reputable nursery that does not use neocontinids that would harm visitors to your garden.

Are there gardens near me, where I can see an example of a butterfly garden?

The Northern Plains Botanic Society garden is located in Fargo and contains a hummingbird garden and butterfly garden.

Books where you can find out more about Butterfly Gardening in the Fargo, ND Area

Affiliate Disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate programs include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Blackwell’s Books.

References

  • Barrows, Edward M. 1977. Flower Biology and Anthropod Associates of Lilum philadelphicum. Michigan Botanist 18: 109-115.
  • McCabe, Timothy L. and Richard L. Post. 1976. North Dakota Butterfly Calendar. Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 15(2): 93-99.
  • Scriber, Mark J., Michelle L. Larsen, and Myron P. Zalucki. 2008. Responses of North American Papilio troilus and P. glaucus to potential hosts from Australia. Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 62: 18-30.
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Robert Coxe

Robert Coxe

Robert Coxe is a professional ecologist and botanist who has worked as the State Ecologist of Delaware and as an ecologist for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. He is also a former Past-President of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. He currently is an innkeeper at McMullen House Bed & Breakfast LLC and a web designer and owner for Silphium Design LLC.

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