SafePlants

Asclepias incarnata: Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, is a captivating herbaceous perennial valued for its beauty and ecological significance. Other common names include rose milkweed, rose milkflower, swamp silkweed, white Indian hemp, red milkweed, and marsh milkweed.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the juice of this milkweed is less milky than other species.
• The plant develops typical milkweed seed pods that rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white strands.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asclepias incarnata L.
• Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
• Synonyms: The text also lists "asclpiade incarnate" as another name.
• The genus Asclepias is derived from the name of the Greek god of medicine.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, specifically the eastern regions.
• Commonly found in swamps, river bottomlands, edges of ponds, wetlands, marshes, meadows, fields, and shores of rivers or lakes.
• Specifically mentioned as native to southern Ontario.

Ecological Role

• A major host plant for Monarch butterflies, providing a place for them to lay their eggs and food for the larvae. Monarch caterpillars obtain poisonous chemicals from milkweed plants, making them toxic to predators.
• An important pollinator plant.
• A great nectar plant, attracting butterflies and other pollinators with its faintly vanilla-scented flowers.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A herbaceous perennial wildflower, highly variable in size, ranging from 2-6 feet tall. Some sources cite a height of 1-2 feet or 4-5 feet.
• Has ascending to erect, unbranched flowering stems that are light green.
• Features clusters of upturned pink (often described as rosy red or cherry-red) flowers that are 2 to 3 inches wide. Some varieties have red to pink flowers ('Cinderella' color). A white selection, Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet', is also available.
• The flowering period is typically in June and July.
• Leaves are opposite, narrow, and up to 6 inches long.
• Appreciative of damp locations, swamp milkweed plants will increase in size by sending out underground stems, called rhizomes.
• Typical milkweed seed pods develop after flowering, eventually rupturing to release seeds with long, silvery-white strands.

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions a specific color variety called 'Cinderella' that is said to be red to pink, indicating the ongoing development and selection of new cultivars.
• The flowers have a faint vanilla fragrance, making them particularly attractive to butterflies.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• A primary food source and egg-laying site for Monarch butterflies.
• Attracts swarms of butterflies and other pollinators.
• Adults mate on or around milkweed.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS, Norman A. Berg National is referenced as a contributor of information.
• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community for sharing gardening tips.
• Ontario Wildflowers provides photos and information.