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Asclepias incarnata

Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed

One of the most beautiful of native perennials with clusters of upturned pink flowers in June and July. Much underused in average gardens conditions! Attracts butterflies of all kinds. Willow-like leaves are 4-5" long. Occurs in floodplains and wet meadows.


Height

3-4 Feet

Spread

2 Feet

Bloom Color

Pink

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

Interesting Notes

The leaves of the Red Milkweed are a preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars. Plant Red Milkweed and start your own butterfly farm! The bright pink and red flowers appear in June and July on five foot stems. Preferring moist soils, this is a great plant for naturalizing in roadside ditches, detention basins, and other wet soils that often dry out in summer. No butterfly garden is complete without Red Milkweed. Prairie Nursery

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Swamp milkweed, true to its name, prefers consistently moist soil, but performs admirably in average, well-drained gardens as well. Full sun is best and some shade is tolerated, though blooming time and color may suffer.

Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes
Open Pollinated
Stream Edge
Container
Wildflower Garden
Drought Tolerant
Native to US
Pond Edge
Border
Wetlands
Cut Flower
Moist Sun
Native to Northeast
Critter Resistance
Deer Resistant
Exposure
Part Sun
Sun
Growth Rate
Medium
Nature Attraction
Butterflies
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Summer
Late Summer
Soil Moisture Needs
Average
Good Drainage
Moist