Swamp milkweed

Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as Swamp Milkweed, is a native perennial herbaceous plant that is a favorite among pollinators and gardeners alike. It features clusters of fragrant, pink to mauve flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The flowers are followed by seed pods that split open to reveal silky seeds, which are dispersed by the wind. Asclepias incarnata grows well in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, or other areas with consistently moist conditions. It is also tolerant of clay soils and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. In addition to its ecological benefits, Swamp Milkweed adds beauty and texture to garden borders, meadows, and naturalized areas, and its attractive foliage provides food for monarch butterfly larvae.