Plants attract butterflies for two reasons: because they provide nectar sources or because they are host plants for egg laying. Certain wildflowers, cultivated flowers, trees, shrubs, and vines are particularly attractive nectar sources and should make up most of the butterfly feature planting. Host plants may be included too. A drinking basin can be made using shallow sloping sides or a series of partially submerged flat rocks for perches.

Tiger Swallowtail (female, black form)