Swamp Milkweed (Wildflowers of the Preserve at Shaker Village)

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

Summary ⁵

Asclepias incarnata, also known as swamp milkweed, marsh milkweed, or rose milkweed, is a popular plant native to much of North America. Its bright pink flowers and popularity among pollinators have made it a well-loved garden plant. As its name implies, swamp milkweed is restricted to wet sites in the wild.

Wildlife Interactions ⁵

Milkweeds act as a required host plant for the monarch butterfly and many other species like milkweed bugs, milkweed beetles, and milkweed tussock moths. They provide ample nectar for bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies and moths. Because of their popularity among insects, milkweeds also serve as important hunting grounds for predators like spiders and praying mantids.

Similar Species ⁵

Swamp milkweed is easily mistaken for the closely related and much more plentiful common milkweed. Swamp milkweed is a smaller, more slender plant overall, with smaller seedpods and narrower leaves. Although common milkweed can tolerate a wide range of environments, swamp milkweed is the more likely plant in wet lowlands in the Preserve, particularly near creeks.

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More Info

iNat Map

Color	pink
Habitat	prairie
Status	native
Blooms in	summer

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Swamp Milkweed

Summary 5

Wildlife Interactions 5

Similar Species 5