FLOWER, Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata 

Seeds per pack ~ 60  Packed for 2024

Perennial, resilient and simply gorgeous, milkweed is critical food for Monarch caterpillars and so many other beneficial pollinators. Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, is a striking perennial plant native to North America. It's a member of the milkweed family, Asclepiadaceae, and shares many characteristics with its relatives, including its distinctive flowers and milky sap.

Here's a description of swamp milkweed:

Appearance: Swamp milkweed typically grows to be around 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) tall, though it can sometimes reach up to 6 feet (180 cm). It has a slender, upright stem with lance-shaped leaves that are arranged spirally along the stem. The leaves are smooth-edged and can be up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.

Flowers: The most notable feature of swamp milkweed is its clusters of showy pink to mauve flowers, which bloom from early to mid-summer. Each flower cluster, or umbel, contains numerous individual flowers, each with five petals. The flowers are fragrant and attract a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies and bees.  Swamp milkweed smells of honey when they blossom, attracting countless butterflies and beneficial insects to their sticky sweet flower clusters.

Habitat: True to its name, swamp milkweed is often found growing in wet habitats such as marshes, wet meadows, along stream banks, and in other damp areas. It can tolerate occasional flooding and is well-suited to rain gardens and other water-retention features.

Ecological Importance: Like all milkweeds, swamp milkweed is a critical host plant for the monarch butterfly. Monarch larvae feed exclusively on milkweed leaves, making these plants essential for the survival of the species. Additionally, swamp milkweed provides nectar for a wide range of pollinators, supporting biodiversity in wetland ecosystems.

Cultural Significance: Beyond its ecological importance, swamp milkweed is also valued for its ornamental beauty and is commonly cultivated in gardens and landscaping projects. Its vibrant flowers add color and interest to wetland gardens, and it can be an excellent choice for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

Overall, swamp milkweed is a valuable plant both ecologically and aesthetically, playing a crucial role in supporting wildlife and adding beauty to natural and cultivated landscapes alike.