Asclepias incarnata
Large, bright, terminal flowers are made of small, rose-purple flowers on this tall, showy perennial. A tall, branching stem bearing numerous narrow, lanceolate leaves delivering deep pink flowers. Erect, open-branched stems are adorned with opposite, narrow, lance-shaped leaves. In winter, elongated, tan-brown seed pods persist.
There is less milky juice in this wetland milkweed's juice than in other species. Undoubtedly, since some species have been used to treat various ailments for centuries, the genus was named after Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine. Its Latin name means "flesh-colored."
Swamp milkweed is underutilized in gardens despite its showy flower clusters that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. In moist soils or in a pond, it will thrive. The attractive seed pods look like other milkweeds. Swamp milkweed will inevitably have aphids. The insects are not a problem unless the plant looks sick; at that point, an effective treatment is to spray the plant and aphids with soapy water. Another possible treatment is to support the plant part with your hand and blast it with high-pressure water. Good for wetland gardens and habitat.
Height: 2’-4’
Spread 2’-3’
Bloom: June-October
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium, High
Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: Eastern U.S. to Texas
