Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER; ORDERS ABOVE THIS NUMBER WILL BE ADJUSTED

Description:   Perennial milkweed to 3+ ft with umbels of pink-toned milkweed flowers. Frequented by butterflies, bees, and many other insects.

Natural Habitat: Wet habitats: moist or boggy soil, watersides, ditches, swamps, etc.

Planting and Care:  Should be planted in ground as soon as feasible, and water daily for several weeks, keep ground moist.  Though a “wetland” plant, it can grow on regular soil if prolonged drying is prevented. Best in constantly moist soil, boggy ground, or next to a water feature. Flowers best in sunny areas. Stems often die back, and re-sprout from near the ground (this is normal).

Pros:  A strong insect-attracter. Beautiful flower clusters. Host for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies.

Cons:  Periodic die-back (this is normal). Requires moist ground. Occasionally Monarch caterpillars can defoliate; these can be controlled by spraying with Bacillus thuringensis ("thuricide"), which targets butterfly and moth caterpillars that eat the leaves, but is not toxic to adult butterflies, or any other wildlife, animals, or people.

Note:  As ranges of butterflies can fluctuate over time,  planting host plant(s) may not automatically result in bringing a desired species to a given area.

Photos copyright: Janet Bowers