Asclepias incarnata - Swamp Milkweed

Swamp, Marsh or Pink Milkweed is an important pollinator plant and one of the host milkweeds for the Monarch Butterfly larva. If you frequent wetland or wet edge areas, you are likely to see this beautiful pink flower mid-summer. In home gardens, this species works well in wetter soils. If you have drier, sandier soils, Butterfly Milkweed may be a better option.

Once done blooming, the familiar milkweed pods form. These will split open in the fall to release the seed which attached to it's pappus, flies on the wind to carry it's genetic material to a new place.

Found from all but the west coast states east to the Atlantic ocean, and from Mexico up into Canada.

How To Plant Swamp Milkweed Seeds:

Direct sow seeds into prepared soil in late fall once soil temps are below 50 degrees (usually mid to late November). Can also be planted in winter during natural freeze / thaw cycles and early spring. Plant shallow, no deeper than 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep and lightly rake to work seed in. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Can take 3 growing seasons to fully establish.

Seed Info

Seed Envelopes contain approximately 0.02 ounces of seed and cover about 5 to 10 square feet. 

Planting Milkweed

What is Stratification?

Product Details

Flower Color: Pink or Red

Height: 3 to 5 Feet

Light Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Hydrology: Mesic to Wet Soils

Bloom Time: June to July

Plant Type: Perennial

Stratification: Cold Moist (CM) 45 Days

Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies

Host Plant: Monarch Butterfly

Product Code: ASC01F