Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp milkweed

Also known as: Rose milkflower, White indian hemp

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant species native to Canada and the continental United States. Swamp milkweed attract butterflies with its nectar. Swamp milkweed gives off a subtle vanilla scent. The stems contain a poisonous milky sap.

Scientific classification

Species

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

1 m to 1.5 m

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

6 mm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper, White, Cream, Tan

Fruit Color

Pink, White, Red

Flower Color

Green, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Swamp milkweed

Attributes of Swamp milkweed

Growth Rate

During its active growing season in spring, swamp milkweed exhibits a moderate growth rate, methodically increasing in height and leaf production. This steady pace allows the plant to allocate resources judiciously, supporting an optimal bloom of its iconic pink flowers. However, growth tends to stagnate in other seasons, making spring crucial for its development.

Distribution of Swamp milkweed

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Swamps, wet thickets, shores

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Swamp milkweed is a popular perennial prized for its showy clusters of flowers, which attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is commonly used as an ornamental garden plant and is essential in butterfly gardens. Plant it with asters, sunflowers, cardinal flowers, mistflower, and lurid sedge for texture and contrasting color.

Symbolism

Remembrance, dignity and freedom

Name Story

Swamp milkweed: The plant is capable to grow in damp to wet soils especially when it has specialized roots for living in heavy wet soils. Like most of the milkweeds, it contains latex toxic chemicals. Therefore, it is called swamp milkweed.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Swamp milkweed, including the following common varieties :

Swamp milkweed 'Cinderella'

Toxicity

Swamp milkweed contains toxic resinoids and cardiac glycosides. All plant parts can poison dogs, cats, and humans. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, escalating to seizures and even death in severe cases. Pets show physical discomfort upon ingestion. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial for any suspected poisoning to ensure recovery. Avoid pet access to swamp milkweed for their safety.

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Weed Control

Swamp milkweed grows in zones 3-8 and is categorized as a wetlands plant and a non-invasive weed. It is easy to contain in a garden, unlike other plants in the family. However, roots can creep if left unattended, as do the seeds if they are not contained with routine weeding. The weed is often unwanted due to its toxic properties: it is toxic to humans if ingested and the oils in the leaves can irritate sensitive skin. Due to its preference for moist growing locations, it is rarely a problem for individuals living away from a water source.

How to Control It

The best time to remove or restrict swamp milkweed is before it reaches the seeding phase, which usually occurs in late summer. It's essential to prevent the plant from spreading its seeds to minimize the chances of it becoming a weed.

Hand Pulling: For young plants, grip swamp milkweed close to the ground, and gently pull ensuring to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
Mowing: Cut swamp milkweed at ground level with a mower. This method is effective for larger areas before the plants have begun to flower.
Dense Planting: Sow competitive plants around swamp milkweed to crowd it out and limit its growth naturally.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of swamp milkweed. This suppresses new sprouts by blocking sunlight and conserves soil moisture.
Water Control: swamp milkweed thrives in moist soil, so regulate watering to maintain a drier environment which is less conducive to its growth.

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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

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Care Guide for Swamp milkweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Swamp milkweed thrives in wetland environments, requiring saturated soils and consistent hydration. Weekly watering supports its lush growth, particularly during the active season. As an herbaceous perennial, maintaining moisture is essential for robust flowering and overall vitality.

Fertilize: To enhance growth and flowering, provide balanced nutrition fertilizers (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) monthly at quarter-strength during the growing season for swamp milkweed. Avoid over-fertilization to protect its roots. Cease fertilization in colder months as swamp milkweed goes dormant, following product label guidelines for optimal health.

Pruning: Swamp milkweed is an herbaceous perennial with striking pink flowers, thriving in wet conditions. Prune in early to late spring to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding. This maintains shape, controls size, and promotes healthy foliage and blooms throughout the growing season.

Propagation: Swamp milkweed is a perennial that flourishes in moist conditions. To propagate, cut a non-flowering stem segment with nodes, plant it in well-draining, moist soil, ensuring nodes are buried. With adequate moisture and protection, swamp milkweed establishes successfully, producing attractive pink blossoms for pollinators.

Repotting: Repot swamp milkweed in early spring, every 2-3 years, using a medium-to-large container for growth up to 5 feet. Use a well-draining potting mix to mimic its wetland habitat and maintain consistent moisture levels without waterlogging for optimal recovery.

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Images of Swamp milkweed

Attributes of Swamp milkweed

Distribution of Swamp milkweed

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Swamp milkweed

Care Guide for Swamp milkweed

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