Swamp Milkweed Info – Tips For Growing Swamp Milkweed Plants
A cousin of the better-known common milkweed, swamp milkweed is an attractive flowering perennial that is native to the swamps and other wet areas of North America. Keep reading to learn more swamp milkweed info, including swamp milkweed benefits and tips for growing swamp milkweed in your landscape.
Swamp Milkweed Info
What is swamp milkweed? Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a member of the milkweed family. It is thought to have earned its name from the pink flowers it produces (“Incarnata” means “flushed with pink.”) It produces these flowers in midsummer, followed by narrow seed pods that open to reveal flat brown seeds attached to the classic white tufts associated with milkweed plants.
The flowers are very showy and good for attracting butterflies. The plants tend to reach 2 to 4 feet (.60 to 1.2 m.) in height. Swamp milkweed plants can be distinguished from their other milkweed cousins both by these showy pink flowers and by their habitat, as they are the only species of milkweed that prefer to grow in wet conditions.
Growing Swamp Milkweed
Swamp milkweed, as the name suggests, grows best in moist, wetland areas. It likes wet, clay soil, but it also prefers full sun. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 6, where it grows as a perennial. The plants spread naturally by wind-borne seeds and by creeping roots that spread out slowly under the ground.
Should I Grow Swamp Milkweed?
Note: The swamp milkweed plant is technically poisonous to humans and other mammals if enough of it is eaten, so it should be avoided in areas where children play or livestock forage.
It is, however, a good attractor for pollinators and a North American native, so it is a good choice for gardeners with wet sites on their property who are looking to plant responsibly.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. She has been with Gardening Know how since 2015, and a Senior Editor since 2020. She holds a BA in English from Brandeis University and an MA in English from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. After years of gardening in containers and community garden plots, she finally has a backyard of her own, which she is systematically filling with vegetables and flowers.
-
Try These 7 Small Flower Bed Ideas For Big Blooms In Compact Corners
Looking for easy wins in your flower beds in the year ahead? Make room for these gorgeous small flower bed ideas – and you’ll see big results in the smallest spaces
By Tonya Barnett
-
8 Herb Gift Ideas That Will Inspire Foodies And Green Thumbs To Raise Their Culinary Game
Aromatic herbs are delightful to grow and infuse flavor into endless dishes, making for a wonderful gift theme for keen home cooks and passionate gardeners.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Is Tropical Milkweed Bad For Your Butterflies? What You Can Do
Tropical milkweed is a harmful plant that can trick both humans and monarch butterflies, and is contributing to declining monarch populations.
By Teo Spengler
-
How To Grow Native Whorled Milkweed In The Garden
Whorled milkweed is beloved by monarch butterflies, but it attracts other pollinators, too. Click to read more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Best California Milkweed Varieties For Monarch Butterflies
Click here to learn what the best milkweed varieties for California are.
By Teo Spengler
-
Is Milkweed Plant Poisonous To Pets, People And Livestock?
Butterflies love and depend on milkweed, but the plant is toxic to other animlas. Learn about how to use it responsibly.
By Susan Albert
-
Growing Showy Milkweed From Seed Or Cuttings
Milkweed is a valuable addition to gardens as a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators. Plant it from seed or cuttings, but watch out for the sap.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Milkweed Cutting Propagation: Learn About Rooting Milkweed Cuttings
You may already grow milkweed if you have a butterfly garden. Starting milkweed from cuttings can increase the number of plants you have. For more information, click here.
By Laura Miller
-
How To Grow Balloon Plants: Care Of Balloon Plants In The Garden
Like all members of the milkweed family, the balloon plant is one of the best plants for attracting monarch butterflies. Learn more about adding the balloon plant milkweed species to your garden in this article. Click here for additional information.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Milkweed Pruning Guide: Do I Deadhead Milkweed Plants
Growing the plants will attract and feed these beautiful butterflies. But you may be asking, “should I prune milkweed.” Milkweed pruning isn’t really necessary, but deadheading milkweed can enhance appearance and encourage further flowering. Click here for more info.
By Bonnie L. Grant