Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed

Features and Characteristics

Asclepias incarnata, commonly called swamp milkweed, is an erect, clump-forming, Missouri native plant which is commonly found in swamps, river bottomlands and wet meadows throughout the State. It typically grows 3-4′ tall (less frequently to 5′) on branching stems. Small, fragrant, pink to mauve flowers (1/4″ wide), each with five reflexed petals and an elevated central crown, appear in tight clusters (umbels) at the stem ends in summer. Flowers are uncommonly white. Narrow, lance-shaped, taper-pointed leaves are 3-6″ long. Stems exude a toxic milky sap when cut. Flowers are followed by attractive seed pods (to 4″ long) 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 (albeit somewhat less important than upland species of Asclepias) for the larval stage of Monarch butterflies.

Genus name honors the Greek god Asklepios the god of medicine.

Specific epithet means flesh-colored.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in medium to wet soils in full sun. 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.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 6
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Sunny borders, stream/pond banks, butterfly gardens. A good plant for low spots or other moist areas in the landscape.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) Details

Common name	Swamp Milkweed
Botanical name	Asclepias Incarnata
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Apocynaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 6
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White, Pink, Mauve
Flowering period	July - August
Height	3 - 4 Ft.
Width	2 - 3 Ft.