Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as Swamp Milkweed, is a perennial plant that grows 1 to 4 feet tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of fragrant pink to mauve flowers from June to September. Swamp Milkweed thrives in moist to wet habitats such as wetlands, marshes, and along shores, preferring loamy or sandy soils. It is highly attractive to monarch butterflies and other pollinators, serving as a host plant for monarch caterpillars. In landscaping, Swamp Milkweed is valued for its showy flowers and suitability for rain gardens and wetland restoration projects.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Peat
Moisture	Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	45
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	15
Bloom month(s)	June, July, August, September
Bloom Color or Type	Pink
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.