Swamp Milkweed — Asclepias incarnata (Rose Milkweed)

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is one of the most ecologically vital native plants you can grow — an upright GA native perennial that serves as the sole host plant for the iconic Monarch Butterfly, as well as hosting the Queen Butterfly and various moth larvae, while producing tight, fragrant clusters of beautiful small pink and mauve flowers from late spring through summer that attract an extraordinary array of pollinators and hummingbirds in a display of both ecological richness and garden beauty. Native to North American swamps, stream banks, and wet meadows, Swamp Milkweed is naturally adapted to moist and wet conditions but can perform well in average garden soils with regular watering. Its lance-like green leaves emerge slowly in spring — be patient, as it is a slow riser. A cornerstone of any Monarch Waystation or native pollinator garden, Swamp Milkweed combines critical wildlife value with a long summer bloom season and reliable, undemanding performance. Note: the milky sap released from damaged stems is toxic if ingested. Full sun. Hardy to Zone 3.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Water regularly. Foliage slow to emerge in spring. Sap toxic if ingested.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Ponds and Streams, Wetlands, Meadows, Native Gardens, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Sweet Flag, Cattail, False Indigo

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.