How to identify Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

How to identify Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp milkweed, also known as Rose milkflower, White indian hemp

Swamp milkweed is a herbaceous perennial with a sturdy, upright form, typically reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet (about 90 to 150 cm). This species boasts clusters of intricate, pink to mauve flowers, each with a unique, five-petaled crown and a subtle, alluring fragrance. Its leaves are lanceolate to oblong, with a lush, deep green hue, and grow opposite on the stem, providing a dense foliage. Known for its affinity for moist environments, swamp milkweed exhibits a fibrous root system, which supports its erect stature and assists in its growth in swampy landscapes.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Swamp milkweed

3-5 feet (90-150 cm) height

Distinctive pink to mauve flowers

Toxic milky sap from cut stem

Smooth, lanceolate leaves with pointed apex

Fruit pods split to release seeds with hair-like tufts

Detailed Traits of Swamp milkweed

Leaf Features

The leaves of swamp milkweed are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, measuring 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) in length and 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-3.8 cm) in width. They have a pointed apex and entire margins. The leaves are green in color, with a smooth texture. They can be either sessile (attached directly to the stem) or clasping (partially surrounding the stem).

Leaf Base

Cordate ,

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of swamp milkweed feature a distinctive arrangement of 5 white upright crowns encircled by 5 pink to mauve petals that elegantly droop downward. Each flower measures approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) across and blooms in clusters called umbels on terminal stems. These characteristically vibrant flowers, which emit a pleasant fragrance, adorn the plant from July to September, creating a striking visual appeal with their contrasting colors and unique shape.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Swamp milkweed stems exhibit a characteristic green to reddish color and a smooth texture. These robust, erect stems can grow up to 5 feet (150 cm) tall and are often unbranched or sparingly branched. Notably, they exude a toxic milky sap when cut, which is a key identifying feature. The thickness of the stem is moderate, typically measuring 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. This toxicity provides protection against herbivores, making the stems an intriguing study for plant enthusiasts.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of swamp milkweed is a conspicuous follicle that reaches 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) in length. These seed pods exhibit a slender, spindle-shaped profile and mature from a bright green to a woody brown. Characteristically, the pods split along one side when ripe, revealing numerous seeds. Each seed is attached to a silky, hair-like tuft, an adaptation that allows them to be dispersed widely by the wind. The surface of the pods is smooth, transitioning in texture as they age and dry out.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Swamp milkweed and Their Similar Plants

Common milkweed vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

Butterfly weed vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

While Asclepias tuberosa is commonly referred to as butterfly weed, it is also known as Canada root, Indian posy, silky swallow-wort, yellow milkweed, butterfly love, white-root and a variety of other names. Both Native Americans and pioneers would use the butterfly weed to make candle wicks.

Bloodflower vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden or yard, the bloodflower is one of the best ways to do it. This plant is known for its ability to attract butterflies with the yellow, red, and orange flowers that bloom on its tall stems in the summer and fall.

Showy milkweed vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

Though it is poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses, showy milkweed provides an extremely important food source to the monarch and other types of butterflies. It can be very invasive and in most areas is considered a weed. The fluffy "floss" from showy milkweed, however, has similar properties to goose down - it is now being cultivated as a cheaper alternative for jacket and sleeping-bag insulation.

Green milkweed vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a perennial herb native to the southeast and south-central U.S. The plant sports green flowers, and, like other milkweeds, produces a thick, milky white substance when cut. Milkweeds, green milkweed included, are the typical host plants of monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant's leaves.

Narrowleaf milkweed vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is essential for the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, which consumes the nectar of this plant. To return the favor, these butterflies pollinate narrowleaf milkweed, ensuring its continued survival. The seedpods of narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) look great in dried flower arrangements.

Whorled Milkweed vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

The whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a perennial herb native to North America which, like other milkweeds, provides food for monarch caterpillars. This form of milkweed is among the most widely distributed varieties and serves as a crucial late-season host for monarch larvae. The Latin name, Asclepias verticillata, is an interpolation of the name of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

Poke milkweed vs. Swamp milkweed: What's The Difference?

Poke milkweed is found naturally in many woodlands and grows well in partial shade. Monarchs and rabbits alike enjoy feeding on its foliage. This plant is not invasive, but it is long-lived.

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Key Facts About Swamp milkweed

Attributes of Swamp milkweed

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m to 1.5 m

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

6 mm

Flower Color

Pink

White

Red

Fruit Color

Brown

Green

Copper

White

Cream

Tan

Stem Color

Green

Pink

The Toxicity of Swamp milkweed

Highly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Swamp milkweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Milkweeds

Species

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

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Distribution Map of Swamp milkweed

The plant swamp milkweed, native to North America, thrives in wet meadows, swamps, and along stream banks. Beyond its natural habitat, it has been introduced to parts of Eastern Europe. Swamp milkweed is also widely cultivated for its ornamental value, signifying a distribution that extends through cultivation to various regions that appreciate its aesthetic.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Swamp milkweed

A Comprehensive Guide to Swamp milkweed How to Grow and Care for Swamp milkweed