This relationship is two-fold, in that the yellow cassia is also the Sulphur caterpillars' favored food. The growth cycle of the butterfly, from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, and finally, to the emergence of a full-fledged butterfly takes only a few short weeks. You should also consider the needs of the caterpillars as you sketch out your plan. Adult butterflies that frequent your garden will make it their lifelong home if they have a ready place to lay their eggs. Caterpillars are fussy eaters, so you will have to include the specific types of leafy green vines, shrubs, and trees that will like.
Many species depend on a single plant type for their caterpillar food source.
As a result, an adult butterfly will spend hours carefully selecting a specific leaf on the plant that will be best for the newborn caterpillars. Include the right caterpillar plant in your garden and you have the perfect invitation for long term residency.