NATIVE PLANT of the month: Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata
Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata, is a native perennial that grows
to around 5 ft tall and produces beautiful light pink flowers from June to
October. This plant is sometimes referred to as a short-lived perennial
because it only lives a few years. The flowers are loved by butterflies,
bees, and hummingbirds. This plant loves sun, and moist soil. It contains
a milky sap that is toxic to most animals, but Monarch, Danaus
plexippus, and Queen, Danaus gilippus, caterpillars are adapted to feed
on them despite the chemical defense.
Swamp Milkweed produces seed pods that ripen and release seeds
moved by wind. If you wish to capture the seed, place a net bag over the
ripening pod until it turns brown and releases it seed. You will have
better germination if you cold stratify the seed for 30 days prior to
planting. The plant will die back in winter, but return from the roots in
spring.
Aphids are challenging on this plant. You can easily use a spray of water
to remove these annoying visitors. Monarch and Queen butterflies must
have this plant to lay its eggs. The caterpillars will strip the leaves from
the plant, but it will easily grow more.
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