SWAMP Milkweed

Botanical Name: Asclepias incarnata
Plant Family: Dogbane family (Apocynaceae)

Description: Swamp milkweed is a clump forming variety with beautiful purple flowers.  Monarchs often choose this variety to host upon as the leaves are more tender.  Though the name implies it's habit of growing in moist environments, it is surprisingly tolerant of well drained and even heavy clay soils.  Foliage is slow to emerge in spring

Growing Conditions: Undemanding, grows in rocky, sandy, and dry soil.  Prefers full sun. 

Bloom Time: Jun - Aug
Bloom Color: Purple to pink

Benefit to pollinators/wildlife: Most milkweed species are hosts for the monarch butterfly.  Because of its tender leaves, swamp milkweed is often a first choice for monarchs to use a s a host plant.

Native Status: US native, PA native

Location in habitat: Pollinator Demonstration Garden, Monarch Waystation