Swamp Milkweed: A Pollinator's Dream Plant
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a stunning and hardy perennial that not only adds beauty to your garden but also serves as a lifeline for pollinators, especially Monarch butterflies. This plant is known for its tall, upright form and clusters of fragrant pink to mauve flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. It’s a favorite among gardeners looking to create wildlife-friendly spaces, offering nectar to bees and butterflies, while its leaves serve as food for Monarch caterpillars. Swamp milkweed is also easier to grow than you might think, making it a great addition to both formal gardens and naturalized areas.
Key Facts About Swamp Milkweed
Sun requirements: At least 6-8 hours per day
Water requirements: Not drought tolerant. As its name suggests, swamp milkweed prefers moist to wet soils. It's perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, or any low-lying area that stays damp.
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Spread: 2-3 feet wide. While it’s not as aggressive as other milkweed species, it may self-seed if left unmanaged.
Natural habitat: Swamp milkweed is native to North America and is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It’s well-adapted to both wetland and garden environments.
Uses: Beyond its value to wildlife, swamp milkweed is a beautiful ornamental plant that can also be used in floral arrangements. Additionally, its strong stems and dense growth make it ideal for erosion control.
When to harvest: Collect swamp milkweed seeds in the fall once the seed pods have dried and begun to split open.
Recipe:Â Â For an interesting use of swamp milkweed, try making this Milkweed Flower Cordial.
Fun Fact: Swamp milkweed contains cardenolides, compounds toxic to many animals but harmless to Monarch caterpillars, which makes them distasteful to predators.
Companion plants
Joe-Pye weed
Coneflower
Goldenrod
Comments