Swamp Milkweed

SKU: FL3878
Swamp Milkweed begins to grow from a thick, fleshy root later in spring than many other plants. Narrow, strap-like leaves emerge, forming a clump of foliage. Then, from mid-spring to late summer, umbels of fragrant, pink to mauve flowers appear that are so generous with nectar that they attract pollinators of all kinds. Read More

Exposure Full-sun

Average Seeds Per Gram 264 ?

Swamp Milkweed has a rating of 4.5 stars based on 2 reviews.
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Attracts Pollinators
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Swamp Milkweed

Product Details

Asclepias incarnata. Swamp Milkweed begins to grow from a thick, fleshy root later in spring than many other plants. Narrow, strap-like leaves emerge, forming a clump of foliage. Then, from mid-spring to late summer, umbels of fragrant, pink to mauve flowers appear that are so generous with nectar that they attract butterflies and important pollinators of all kinds. The roots of this plant have evolved to thrive in low oxygen environments, including the wet soil found around lakes and streams. The plants can reach 2m (6') in height, and will grow in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy to Zone 3.

The fibrous stem husks can also be used by some birds, like the American Goldfinch, to line their nests.

Perennial.

Quick Facts:

    • Food plant for the Monarch butterfly
    • Attracts and feeds other pollinators
    • Full sun to partial shade
    • Hardy to Zone 3

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All About Swamp Milkweed

Latin

Latin
Ascelpias sp.
Family: Apocynaceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 3

Timing

Timing
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant towards late spring. Milkweed requires cold stratification to break dormancy. Sow the seeds in damp soil in 18 cell plug inserts and place in a refrigerator for two weeks or place outside in early spring. Transplant when the seedlings are 2 inches (5cm) tall. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-35 days.

We have had success direct sowing A. tuberosa in March, with blooms the first year. In our experience, A. speciosa returns with vigour in the second year and begins blooming by June here on the west coast.

Starting

Starting
Barely cover the small seeds using sterilized seed starting mix. Space transplants 30-60cm (12-24″) apart.

Growing

Growing
For many years several Asclepias species were listed as invasive weeds because of their sometimes aggressive spreading by underground rhizomes and their giant, dandelion-like seeds. The seeds emerge from very conspicuous pods which are easily removed before they dry and crack. As the population of wild Asclepias diminished, so did the populations of many butterflies that depend on them as food and nursery plants (including the endangered Monarch). Now that they have been de-listed, we encourage home gardeners to grow them with the advance knowledge that they can spread. Try growing them in a large container like a half barrel, and be conscious of the seed pods as they develop. In short, please be responsible with Asclepias species.

Note: All parts of the plant are harmful if eaten. Flowers are not edible.

Download our Asclepias tuberosa Factsheet.

How to Grow Asclepias

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant towards late spring. Milkweed requires cold stratification to break dormancy. Sow the seeds in damp soil in 18 cell plug inserts and place in a refrigerator for two weeks or place outside in early spring. Transplant when the seedlings are 2 inches (5cm) tall. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-35 days.

Step 2

Starting

Barely cover the small seeds using sterilized seed starting mix. Space transplants 30-60cm (12-24″) apart.

Step 3

Growing

For many years several Asclepias species were listed as invasive weeds because of their sometimes aggressive spreading by underground rhizomes and their giant, dandelion-like seeds. The seeds emerge from very conspicuous pods which are easily removed before they dry and crack. As the population of wild Asclepias diminished, so did the populations of many butterflies that depend on them as food and nursery plants (including the endangered Monarch). Now that they have been de-listed, we encourage home gardeners to grow them with the advance knowledge that they can spread. Try growing them in a large container like a half barrel, and be conscious of the seed pods as they develop. In short, please be responsible with Asclepias species.

Note: All parts of the plant are harmful if eaten. Flowers are not edible.

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