Spicebush Swallowtail

In case you need another reason to plant some Bottlebrush Buckeyes (Aesculus parviflora), here it is, the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly (Papillo troilus). Both the bush, whose flowers have attracted the butterfly, and the butterfly are large and beautiful. We planted three of these bushes in our back yard to help hide our septic system. They have grown and spread to cover a large area, so when they bloom they are quite a sight.