Swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata
ABOUT
A.. incarnata is a thick-stemmed perennial with dense stems and narrow, mid-green leaves up to 15cm long. Clusters of dark purplish-pink flowers are produced from the upper part of the stems from mid-summer to early autumn, followed by narrow, upright seed pods up to 7cm long, green at first then turning pale brown before splitting to release the seeds with their parachutes
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Swamp Milkweed, Rose Milkweed, Red Milkweed, Swamp Silkweed, White Indian Hemp
Common names
Asclepias pulchra, Asclepias pulchra var. incarnata
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Support for Monarch Butterflies: Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, is a crucial host plant for monarch butterfly larvae, providing essential nutrients vital for their growth and development.
- Attracts Pollinators: Swamp milkweed's nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which help in plant pollination and enhancing biodiversity.
- Habitat Restoration: By planting swamp milkweed in wetland areas, it helps in the restoration of native plant communities and provides a habitat for various wildlife species.
- Erosion Control: The deep and extensive root system of Asclepias incarnata helps stabilize soil, particularly in damp environments, thus aiding in erosion control and bank stabilization.
- Landscape Aesthetics: With its striking pink-purple flowers, swamp milkweed is a beautiful addition to gardens and natural landscapes, offering aesthetic value throughout its blooming season.
- Water Filtration: The plant plays a role in improving water quality by filtering and reducing pollutants as it can thrive in wet conditions and riparian buffers.
- Easy Maintenance: Asclepias incarnata is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow, tolerates being planted in wet soil, and typically does not require fertilizers or pesticides.
- Educational Opportunity: Swamp milkweed provides an educational opportunity for people to learn about plant-pollinator relationships and the life cycle of monarch butterflies when observed in the wild or in gardens.
- Adaptability to Wet Soil: It is one of the few plants that flourish in moist to wet soils, making it particularly advantageous for landscaping in areas with these soil conditions.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Asclepias incarnata has been used traditionally as a diuretic to promote urine production.
- Expectorant: It has also been used to help alleviate congestion and to promote the expulsion of mucus from the lungs.
- Antipyretic: The plant has had historical use to help reduce fevers.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Moth and Butterfly Attraction: Swamp milkweed is a host plant for Monarch butterflies, providing food for caterpillars and nectar for the adult butterflies.
- Waterfowl Food: The seeds of swamp milkweed are consumed by waterfowl, providing vital nutrition during migration and breeding seasons.
- Natural Dye: Swamp milkweed can be used to make a natural dye; the flowers, when processed, can yield shades of green or yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Garden Aesthetics: Swamp milkweed's vibrant pink blooms add beauty to garden landscapes and attract pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The root system of swamp milkweed can help to stabilize soil in wet areas, mitigating erosion near waterways.
- Habitat Restoration: Swamp milkweed is used in wetland restoration projects as it is native to North American wetlands and supports local ecosystems.
- Fiber Source: Historically, Native Americans have used the sturdy fibers from the stems of swamp milkweed to make ropes and textiles.
- Biomonitoring: Swamp milkweed can be used as a bioindicator species to monitor the health of wetland ecosystems due to its sensitivity to environmental changes.
- Ornamental Dried Flower: The seed pods of swamp milkweed can be used in dried floral arrangements, providing an interesting and lasting bouquet element.
- Fall Interest: As swamp milkweed pods mature and open, they reveal seeds with silky appendages, adding unique visual interest to a fall garden landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Swamp Milkweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Swamp Milkweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Nurturing: Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as Swamp Milkweed, symbolizes healing due to its association with the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius.
- Protection: Swamp Milkweed is also considered a symbol of protection since it is the primary food source for monarch butterfly larvae, offering them a safe haven.
- Transformation: This plant stands for transformation, reflecting the metamorphosis of the monarch butterflies that depend on it.
- Survival and Resilience: It signifies survival and resilience, as it thrives in swampy, difficult conditions where other plants might not survive.
WaterSwamp Milkweed, which is the common name for Asclepias incarnata, prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. It is important to water the plant once every week with about one to two gallons of water, depending on the climate and the soil moisture level. During the hot, dry summer months, it may require watering twice a week to maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which can stress the plant. In more humid or cooler climates, reduce the water to prevent root rot. Always water directly at the soil level to ensure the roots receive adequate moisture.
LightSwamp Milkweed thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an area of your garden that is exposed to unfiltered, direct sunlight throughout most of the day. Avoid planting in shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureSwamp Milkweed is hardy to a range of temperatures and can endure temperatures down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many climates. The ideal temperature range for growing Swamp Milkweed is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive brief periods of higher temperatures, but prolonged heat above 95 degrees Fahrenheit may affect its growth.
PruningPruning Swamp Milkweed is important for shaping the plant and encouraging new growth. It is best to prune or deadhead spent blooms throughout the summer to promote additional flowering. In late winter or early spring before new growth begins, prune back any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and aesthetics. The best time for major pruning is after the plant has gone dormant in the fall or very early in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSwamp Milkweed thrives in well-draining, moist soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH for Swamp Milkweed ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. A suitable soil mix could be made of peat, loam, and sand, which ensures proper drainage while retaining adequate moisture.
RepottingSwamp Milkweed does not need frequent repotting; it can be done every 2-3 years. For mature plants, repot when the root system outgrows the current container.
Humidity & MistingSwamp Milkweed prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable to various humidity levels. There is no specific humidity requirement, but it should not be excessively dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and moist soil for Swamp Milkweed.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and ensure soil stays moist for Swamp Milkweed.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata begins its life cycle as a dormant seed which typically requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate. After stratification, the seed germinates in the spring, developing into a seedling with a few pairs of leaves. As the plant grows, it forms a deep root system and lush foliage, eventually reaching the vegetative stage. Throughout the summer months, Swamp Milkweed enters the flowering stage, producing small, fragrant, pink to mauve flowers in clusters, which are vital for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. Following pollination, the plant produces distinctive seed pods that swell and, when mature, split open to release seeds with silky hairs that are carried by the wind. The plant will then return to a state of dormancy throughout the winter months, completing its annual life cycle, and perennials like Swamp Milkweed may repeat this cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, is a perennial that is often propagated by seed. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by sowing seeds directly into the soil. Seeds can be collected from the plant after the seed pods have opened in the fall. They should be sown in late fall or stratified in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 days before planting in the spring. To stratify the seeds, place them in a moistened paper towel or sand inside a plastic bag and keep them at a temperature of 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5-3.3 degrees Celsius) in the refrigerator. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown into a well-draining soil mix, covering them lightly with soil. They typically germinate in 10 to 20 days when kept at 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius).
