Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed has big heads of rose pink, sweetly scented flowers. It's not unusual to see two or three butterflies on a single flower at the same time. Swamp milkweed grows naturally in wet soil but also grows well in regular garden soil.

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

Grows easily in medium wet to wet soils in full sun. Tolerates well-drained garden soil even though this species is native to swamps and wet meadows
Plants have deep taproots and are best left undisturbed once established
Like many milkweeds, plants are slow to emerge from the ground in spring

Height 3-4 Feet

Spread 1-2 Feet

Native Range Swamps and low meadows; Nova Scotia to Saskatoon, south to Utah, New Mexico and Florida. Distribution Maps by State and County

Native Trivia Plants in the milkweed family produce pods with fluffy seed that is used by birds to build nests. Some birds, such as Baltimore orioles, use the stem fibers for nesting material.

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-7

"Milkweeds provide loads of nectar and serve as homes and food sources for monarch caterpillars."

Good Companions Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (Aster novae-angliae)), Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium dubium), Lyre-leaf Sage (Salvia lyrata)

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Medium to Tall Perennials	Exposure • Sun	Soil • Wide soil tolerance	Soil Moisture Preference • Moist • Average
Attracts Wildlife • Butterflies • Hummingbirds	Bloom Time • Summer	Critter Resistance • Deer Resistant	Habitat Collection • Wet Sun • Butterfly
Foliage Color • Green	Uses • Meadow • Fragrant