|
|
Asclepias incarnata
Swamp Milkweed
One of the most beautiful native perennials with clusters of upturned pink flowers on 4-5’ stems in June and July. The leaves of the red milkweed are a preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars. Preferring moist soils, this is a great plant for naturalizing and for use in rain gardens. No butterfly garden is complete without milkweed!
Benefits
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Host and nectar plant for monarch butterflies
- Lovely vanilla fragrance
- Thrives in sun in average or moist soil
- Deer resistant
Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips
Easily grown in medium to wet soils in full sun but is surprisingly tolerant of average, well-drained soils in cultivatio. Plants have deep taproots and are best left undisturbed once established. Have patience the leaves are slow to emerge in spring.
|
Height |
 |
Spread |
USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8
Native Range
Swamps and low meadows; Nova Scotia to Saskatoon, south to Utah, New Mexico and Florida.
Native Trivia
Plants in the milkweed family produce pods with fluffy seeds that are used by birds to build nests. Some birds, such as Baltimore orioles, also use the stem fibers for nesting material.
|
Good Companions
Rose Mallow
(Hibiscus moscheutos),
Turtlehead
(Chelone glabra),
New England Aster
(Aster novae-angliae),
Dwarf Joe Pye Weed
(Eupatorium dubium),
Lyre-leaved Sage
(Salvia lyrata),
Magical Moonlight Buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis)
|
Characteristics & Attributes
|
Plan Sub Group
|
Exposure
|
Soil
|
Soil Moisture Preference
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Attracts Wildlife
|
Bloom Time
|
Habitat Collection
|
Native Habitat
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foliage Color
|
Uses
|
Native to
|
