Asclepias incarnata - Swamp milkweed

Morphology/Growth habits: Dense clusters of small yet fragrant, deep pink flowers appear in late summer and develop into elegant, long seed pods in the fall. Thin, lanceolate leaves and upright stems. This wildflower grows a deep taproot over time, so best not to transplant once established. Spreads by seed and slowly by rhizomes.

Height: 3-5 ft

Light: Full Sun-Part Sun

Moisture: Medium-Wet

Bloom color: Pink

Bloom time: July-August

Habitat/Best Environments: Grows along waterways like ponds and swamps. This swamp milkweed is great for rain gardens, well-irrigated pollinator gardens, or areas with wet soils.

Ecological relationships: Flowers attract a variety of pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Larval host for Monarch butterflies! Of special value to native, honey, and bumble bees. Deer and rabbit resistant. Its sap is poisonous to humans, contact irritation or stomach issues if ingested in large quantities. *Young shoots, leaves, and seed pods are edible if cooked. Decoction of the root used for kidneys in Haudenosaunee medicine. 

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption