Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed

Description:

♦ Zones:  3 - 6     Height:  48 - 60"     Exposure:  Full Sun ♦

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed) is an erect, clump-forming plant which is commonly found in swamps, river bottomlands and wet meadows.   It is easily grown in medium to wet soils in full sun and is surprisingly tolerant of average well-drained soils in cultivation even though the species is native to swamps and wet meadows.  Plants have deep taproots and are best left undisturbed once established.  Foliage is slow to emerge in spring, when small, fragrant, pink to mauve flowers appear in tight clusters.  Stems exude a toxic milky sap when cut.  Flowers are followed by attractive seed pods which split open when ripe releasing silky-haired seeds easily carried by the wind. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies as a nectar source. In addition, swamp milkweed is an important food source for the larval stage of Monarch butterflies.  Swamp milkweed is excellent for sunny borders, stream/pond banks, and butterfly gardens.  It is also a good plant for low spots or other moist areas in the landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zone: