Ruta graveolens – Rue (Non-native) – 1-Quart

Though primarily grown as an herb, Rue also serves as host plant for Giant Swallowtail butterflies (Papilio cresphontes). This butterfly has been expanding its range into our area recently, presumably feeding on Rue or two other members of the citrus family that we also sell, Wafer-ash (Ptelea trifoliata) and Northern Pricklyash or Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum americanum). These two species are both native to New York, but neither occurs in the Catskills. Pricklyash does grow nearby in the Hudson Valley.