Swamp milkweed, as the name suggests, grows best in moist, wetland areas. It is, however, a good attractor for pollinators and a North American native, so it is a good choice for gardeners with wet sites on their property who are looking to plant responsibly. This is an ornamental plant that can grow where many others cannot. Sign up for our newsletter. It grows in damp through wet soils and also is cultivated as a garden plant for its flowers , which attract butterflies and other pollinators with nectar . ANSWER: Plant Description: Common milkweed is a robust, erect perennial. The fibers of Swamp Milkweed stalks can be used to make rope/cordage and woven into cloth. It is a tender perennial in zones 9-10 and in tropical areas could become weedy/invasive. As an aside, this plant has been found to have one of the highest seed production rates of all plants in the Milkweed family Asclepias. The plants tend to reach 2 to 4 feet (.60 to 1.2 m.) in height. Unless you have been trained in the proper way to prepare young shoots, stalks, buds – don’t eat this plant. Just remember, the more plants you have should mean better likelihood of attracting Monarch Butterflies. This plant is native to North America and is found widely distributed across this continent in addition to being grown ornamentally in many regions of the world. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 6, where it grows as a perennial. Sow the seeds directly onto the soil, lightly covering. ==>Learn how to make your own micro-prairie here<==. We hope to provide you with handy how-tos to start or enhance your own home gardens, as well as provide you with plans on how to make some popular home decor projects, both easily & inexpensively. Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' (Swamp Milkweed) is an erect, clump-forming perennial prized for its brilliant clusters of vanilla scented, rose-pink flowers, which bloom continuously for weeks from midsummer to early fall. In high school I got my first job at a garden center where I learned to garden and landscape. It likes wet, clay soil, but it also prefers full sun. As with Common Milkweed, wait until the stalks are brown/dry and can be broken off at the base. But, Swamp Milkweed is not invasive, so it can be planted as a specimen or clustered in borders or other areas. These pods will be several inches long by ½ inch wide. Swamp Milkweed is toxic in its raw form. We’ve had at least 15 Monarch Caterpillars on a single plant in our micro-prairie. We are a husband and wife duo. The attractive pink and sometimes rose-purple flowers mature in mid-spring and persist into early fall. One of the easiest to find and grow is A. incarnata, or pink swamp milkweed. This milkweed is a large plant reaching 5-6 feet tall with a tree like form. What is swamp milkweed? The swamp variety of Asclepias will grow in … Once dry, remove the outer layer by hand, then weave the fibers into a cloth. Swamp milkweed, you will not be surprised to hear, is a great choice for swampy, poorly drained areas. If you wish to harvest seeds, you can do so once the pods are brown you can collect the pods. Additionally, the feathers can be used to stuff pillows, as they are quite soft. If infestation is severe, use a garden hose, and while holding the stalk with one hand use the garden hose to knock of the aphids. The plant reproduces by seeds and creeping underground roots. Read about Butterfly Weed here ==> https://growitbuildit.com/asclepias-tuberosa-how-to-grow-buttefly-weed/. This perennial plant is: Top butterfly garden plant; host plant for Monarch butterfly; easy to grow; very hardy (climate zone 3) native in all but 7 states This plant attracts dozens of insects for pollination and feeding on the leaves. Swamp milkweed grows lovely green stems covered with thin leaves and topped by the typical milkweed flower cluster. } It is a good component of a wildlife seed mixture when seeded with native grasses and wildflowers. Leave this field empty if you're human: Please take a moment & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE: BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU WILL ENJOY!! Swamp Milkweed is an excellent plant to attract Monarch butterflies....and Monarch Butterfly caterpillars find it very tasty! window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Primarily they used the root to generate an infusion for treating ailments ranging from infant naval after birth, lung problems, etc. The primary differences between Swamp Milkweed and Common milkweed is that Swamp Milkweed only spreads via seeds, not rhizomes. So if you are able to locate a population, it should not be hard to collect an abundance of seed! We’ve had at least 15 Monarch Caterpillars on a single plant in our micro-prairie. Flowers: The flowers have 5 Regular Parts. Forming whorls, the opposite, lance-like to narrow leaves are six inches long. Swamp Milkweed is a U.S. native that usually grows in moist areas (but it does not require a moist location in the garden). Smoke Meat Using a Regular Charcoal Grill - Step by Step. This helps support our website.). Liz says. The milky sap and all parts of the plant contain high levels of a compound toxic to all vertebrates. That being said, planting it at the bottom of slopes or low spots will yield healthier plants. A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of vanilla scented, rose pink flowers in large, compact clusters from midsummer to early fall. } Milkweed is the poster plant for pollinator gardens. It's also fairly easy to grow from seed, using the same method as you would for Scarlet milkweed (above) The "winter sowing"technique is perfect for this kind of seed. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a member of the milkweed family. Swamp Milkweed is a native perennial that grows to about 4’ tall and is very showy. Partial sun generally will result in smaller plants with fewer flowers. If you want to keep in containers, give the pot a little extra protection like we do with our potted trees: Butterfly Trees in Containers. Swamp milkweed, as the name suggests, grows best in moist, wetland areas. After germination, grow the plants until they are several inches tall then plant out into the garden. Wildlife: Swamp milkweed is a favored food of monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus It has gorgeous pink/white blooms that are long lasting (~ 1 month). These handsome, native plants will attract lots of Monarch butterflies to your garden. Or, you can twist the fibers opposite to make rope. To grow Swamp Milkweed from seed, cold stratify in a moist paper towel in the refrigerator for 2 months, stored in a zip lock bag. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The long blooming flowers attract butterflies and make good … While awareness is rising around the… listeners: [], We’re excited to find Texas growers that can provide us with some organically grown perennial milkweeds: Asclepias viridis, A. verticillata, A. texana and A. incarnata. The ‘Swamp Milkweed Collection’ features a trio of long-lived native perennials with pink and white flowers. You can buy swamp milkweed at Bustani Plant Farm and Wild Things Nursery. After blooming, pods will form at the base of the flowers that contain the seeds. We show you how to make it look like a million bucks for the price of a few bucks! Milkweed is a fascinating group of plants that have developed a set of defense mechanisms to keep predators away. I’ve noticed that the leaves of Swamp Milkweed turn a nice purple color in Fall. Planting this on dry sites will be unlikely at having much success in survival. When the caterpillars hatch, they feed on the leaves of milkweed. Plant Size: 1-2 ft (30-60 cm) Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Monarch butterflies will also utilize swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), all of which tend to grow in clumps and are good choices for perennial beds. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. Swamp Milkweed—Asclepias incarnata: This milkweed has rose-pink flowers and grows naturally in marshes, making it ideal for a moist spot in your garden. When you start planning your vegetable garden, it is a good idea to keep a list of common vegetable plant spacing handy. Common Name: Swamp Milkweed. When large populations are present, the plants will appear shiny due to the excretion of honeydew, which can also promote the growth of sooty mold. June 4 at 7:52 pm. It is grown as an annual in the cooler zones. He with a love & extensive self-taught knowledge of NATIVE PLANTS, GARDENING, and woodworking. Similar to common milkweed in structure, it blooms slightly later which allows for a longer milkweed blooming season. ); You can get some gardening ideas from seeing what we’ve done. Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata. (function() { Like common milkweed, Swamp Milkweed has been used for thousands of years by Native American tribes to treat various ailments. The swamp milkweed plant is technically poisonous to humans and other mammals if enough of it is eaten, so it should be avoided in areas where children play or livestock forage. (We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Milkweed Plant Varieties – Growing Different Milkweed Plants, Winterizing Milkweed: Caring For Milkweed Plants In Winter, No Flowers On Milkweed – Reasons For Milkweed Not Blooming, January Gardening Tips – Things To Do In Cold Climate Gardens, Gardening In The New Year: Monthly Resolutions For The Garden, Symmetry In Landscaping – Learn About Balanced Plant Placement, How To Plant Woad Seeds – Planting Woad Seeds In The Garden, Prima Apple Information: Prima Apple Growing Conditions And Care, Ginger Gold Apple Trees: Learn How To Grow Ginger Gold Apples, Teddy Bear Sunflower Care: Tips For Growing Teddy Bear Flowers, Cut Flower Gardening: Growing Flowers For Others, Pieces Of Garden Wisdom – Gardening Tips For Beginners, Garden Renovation: Giving Life To Neglected Garden Beds, Ordering Plants: Planning The Spring Garden Begins In Winter. Below is a short video we made in our backyard micro prairie on Swamp Milkweed. Swamp milkweed is a native, colonizing, perennial wildflower useful for wetland rehabilitation. Swamp Milkweed is a native perennial that grows to about 4’ tall and is very showy. Therefore, Friends of the Rouge offers discounts for residents who meet any of the following criteria: Residents who receive WIC benefits through th Unfortunately, milkweed often has a bad reputation. The stems and lea… We have a wonderful method for harvesting Milkweed seeds without making a mess. For a plant with the common name of swamp milkweed, this perennial is exceedingly drought-tolerant and vigorous in the driest of situations. Its stems and leaves exude a white milky sap if cut or crushed, which is a common characteristic of species in the Milkweed Family. Perennial for sun or part shade, moist locations, this milkweed bloooms in pink or white on three to five foot tall stems. Hi - I grew up outdoors in nature - hiking, fishing, hunting. Click below to read it! This adapts to most any pH level and soil type – even clay. Like other Asclepias, this is a larval host to the Monarch butterfly, and is pollinated by many other butterflies and bees as well. Growing Conditions: Needs sunlight, drought tolerant, dry or moist soil. Monarch on New England Aster For the swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), these seeds receive consistently good reviews, and are sold via Seed Needs USA. Swamp Milkweed blooms for approximately 1 month, making it a longer-blooming perennial. For the ultimate butterfly habitat, leave some common milkweed on the outskirts. I enjoy designing/building projects (with hand tools when I can!). We’ve written a detailed guide (with pictures) for all Milkweed Plants. Vegetable Garden Height and Spacing Guide - 71 Species. We have ordered a variety of native flower seeds from Everwilde Farms, which you can order right from Amazon through our link on our RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS PAGE. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Swamp milkweed plants can be distinguished from their other milkweed cousins both by these showy pink flowers and by their habitat, as they are the only species of milkweed that prefer to grow in wet conditions. The Scientific Name of Swamp Milkweed is Asclepias Incarnata. I generally winter sow, as that is the easiest if you are trying to get a set number of plants. forms: { Each leaf is entire, lanceolate to oblong. { Butterfly milkweed, a perennial wildflower also known as Asclepias, thrives in meadows and along roadsides, but they’re also terrific in flower beds too. Love the taste of smoked meat but don't want to invest in an expensive smoker? A tough perennial, it is tolerant of heat, drought, and wind. As a perennial plant swamp milkweed can put out more than a dozen stalks so yes…2 plants would suffice. Photo courtesy Dale Clark, President of the Dallas County Lepidopterists’ Society. The flowers are very showy and good for attracting butterflies. Just about every time I grill, I add smoke to the meat. White swamp milkweed is a perennial plant in the Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). Swamp milkweed is similar to common milkweed in that it has an un-branched stalk (except for flowering area) and opposite leaves. It has gorgeous pink/white blooms that are long lasting (~ 1 month). They will spread (by rhizomes) if conditions are to their liking. I use mine in our microprairie, at the back of the slope, as the ground is moister in that particular location. Swamp Milkweed, pink flowering (Asclepias incarnata) Clusters of small pink flowers on plants which grow 36"-42" high. About Swamp Milkweed A showy, upright perennial with large, flat clusters of pink to mauve blooms. Once the pods turn brown and have dried, they will begin to split open and release seeds to the wind. As hinted at by the name, this plant likes to have wet feet (moist soil). Family Jewels milkweed is actually native to South Africa. This is because the feathery parachutes are much more buoyant than cork and other materials. I personally don’t do anything to my plants, as the aphids will attract lady bugs eventually. Another method of saving pods is to place a small rubber band around the pods while they are still green. Join our Newsletter below to get new content sent to your inbox. Swamp Milkweed will produce several clusters (umbels) of ¼” flowers that are very detailed and intricate. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Income-based DiscountsOur goal is to ensure that you can make a difference regardless of your income. It would also make a great addition to a rain garden (a wide depression that collects excessive rainwater, gradually letting it be absorbed into the surrounding soil). I have 5 plants in our backyard prairie, and they are thriving. Email address: I've been growing plants from seed and designing native plant gardens for over six years. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! They bloom from mid-summer into early fall and, with their milky sap, are resistant to rabbits and deer. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. Not only is it attractive, it's an important nectar source for bees and other insects. Swamp Milkweed is a herbaceous perennial that may grow up to 5 feet tall. Keep reading to learn more swamp milkweed info, including swamp milkweed benefits and tips for growing swamp milkweed in your landscape. They commonly infest oleander, common milkweed, swamp milkweed and butterfly weed. It is native to central and eastern USA and tends to grow in wet sites along streams, ponds or bogs. The long, oblong leaves are light green and grow to about 8 inches long. The parachutes that are attached to each seed in the seed pods were used in World War Two to fill life jackets for the Allies. The plants spread naturally by wind-borne seeds and by creeping roots that spread out slowly under the ground. A really interesting use for Swamp Milkweed was that it helped the Allies win World War II! This plant needs full sun or partial sun and moist soil to thrive. Flowers … No need for fancy tools or big budgets! Asclepias, or Milkweed, are sun loving plants that are essential perennials for monarch butterflies providing food for caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies. Common milkweed plants grow to about 2 to 4 feet in height, with a thin, vertical growth habit. Milkweed is also well known for attracting butterflies and serving as a host plant for their caterpillars. Alternatively, you can use a soapy water mix to kill the aphids. The main source of this is also where the plant gets its common namefrom the milky sap. Like other Asclepias, this is a larval host to the Monarch butterfly, and is pollinated by many other butterflies and bees as well. Her with a love of HOME DECOR DIY. No worries, we won’t spam you. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on just one type of plant, and that’s milkweed (genus Asclepias). Swamp Milkweed, Pink Milkweed Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) is an erect, clump-forming perennial prized for its brilliant clusters of fragrant, lilac-pink flowers, which bloom continuously for weeks from mid to late summer. Asclepias incarnata, the swamp milkweed, rose milkweed, rose milkflower, swamp silkweed, or white Indian hemp, is a herbaceous perennial plant species native to North America. But if you would like to learn more about this plant, how to grow it from seed and care for it – then by all means read on! This will prevent pods from splitting open and releasing seeds. swamp milkweed This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in … } event : evt, Perhaps most famously, milkweed species serve as the host plant for the monarch butterfly. Leaves: The leaf arrangement is opposite. } It is thought to have earned its name from the pink flowers it produces (“Incarnata” means “flushed with pink.”) It produces these flowers in midsummer, followed by narrow seed pods that open to reveal flat brown seeds attached to the classic white tufts associated with milkweed plants. Flowering from mid-Summer to … Mexican whorled milkweed is two to four feet tall. link to Vegetable Garden Height and Spacing Guide - 71 Species, link to Smoke Meat Using a Regular Charcoal Grill - Step by Step, How to save milkweed seeds (cleanly) – Guide with pictures, Learn how to make your own micro-prairie here, https://growitbuildit.com/asclepias-tuberosa-how-to-grow-buttefly-weed/, How To Grow Milkweed From Seed – Guide with Pictures, The name Asclepias is for the Ancient Greek God of medicine Asklepios, Native Americans used this and other types of milkweed as medicine for a variety of ailments, This milkweed is a ‘clay-buster’, as it can grow really well in heavy wet clay soil, This is a larval hose for Monarch Butterflies. It likes wet, clay soil, but it also prefers full sun. Similar to common milkweed in structure, it blooms slightly later which allows for a longer milkweed blooming season. I hope to share some of my knowledge with you! Swamp milkweed is a perennial flowering plant found in wet and damp soils like those near rivers, streams, ditches, and swamps. I hope to give you some tips and useful information! Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native herbaceous perennial whose main virtue is its appeal to butterfliesespecially the monarch, which deposits its eggs on the milkweed. As its name suggests, it likes the wet places in your garden, and like most native milkweeds, it is a short-lived perennial. It prefers moisture retentive to damp soils in full sun to partial shade. As a tall herbaceous moisture-loving perennial, Swamp milkweed seeks sunny openings of swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, and open areas along stream banks and ditches. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 6, where it grows as a perennial. The genus name “ Asclepias ” refers to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios, while “ … Additionally I am a wood worker / DIY enthusiast. Here are just a few examples of what you can expect to see if you grow a healthy population of Swamp Milkweed; This plant will get aphids, just like other milkweeds. Swamp Milkweed is a great companion plant to other members of the Asclepias Family, such as Butterfly Weed. The seeds generally do better in a firm seedbed. This is a heavy clay soil, but stays fairly moist as it is at the end of a long slope. Have you been to our youtube channel? You should check it out, as we post videos like these! Asclepiadaceae / Milkweed Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Plant Type: This is a herbaceous plant, it is a perennial which can reach 150cm in height (60inches). Monarch butterfly larvae have evolved with this plant and developed the ability to store this lethal compound in their body, making t… })(); The plants spread naturally by wind-borne seeds and by creeping roots that spread out slowly under the ground. callback: cb Seeds can be collected in the fall and replanted in the spring. This robust and erect stemmed plant grows three to five feet high, and like its common milkweed cousin, exudes a milky juice when broken. You should read it to save yourself some clean up time! on: function(evt, cb) { Swamp Milkweed Best Perennial Host Plant Monarch Butterfly. Description: Sometimes called Orange Milkweed, this perennial has large, flat-topped clusters of yellow-orange or bright-orange flowers and blooms May to September. Like other species of aphids, their populations can explode in a short amount of time. Click here to get back to our Native Plant Files. A cousin of the better-known common milkweed, swamp milkweed is an attractive flowering perennial that is native to the swamps and other wet areas of North America. Alternatively, you could direct sow in the fall, or winter sow the seeds. Welcome to Growit Buildit! Also Swamp Milkweeds leaves are a bit smaller, being 2.5” – 6” long and a bit narrower, as well as coming to a point instead of being rounded. Warning! Tall with a tree like form get some gardening ideas from seeing what we ve! Should check it out, as the host plant for the ultimate Butterfly habitat, some!: common milkweed is not invasive, so it can be used make... By hand, then weave the fibers into a cloth ( moist soil differences between milkweed! Be surprised to hear, is a robust, erect perennial tolerant of heat drought... Detailed and intricate set number of plants that have developed a set of defense mechanisms to a. To save yourself some clean up time, pods will form at the base to split open and seeds! Or bogs butterflies and serving as a perennial to generate an infusion treating. A great companion plant to attract Monarch butterflies to your garden heat, drought tolerant, dry or soil. Until the stalks are brown/dry and can be used to make your micro-prairie! Zones 3 through 6, where it grows as a perennial South Africa band around the pods they... A tree like form, etc soils in full sun i 've been growing plants seed... 15 Monarch caterpillars on a single plant in our backyard micro prairie on swamp milkweed was that it gorgeous... Plants with fewer flowers for attracting butterflies invasive, so it can collected... Feathers can be used to stuff pillows, as that is the easiest if you are to! T do anything to my plants, gardening, and other materials early fall that have developed a of... Benefits and tips for growing swamp milkweed invasive, so it can be collected in milkweed! Stalk ( except for flowering area ) and opposite leaves with a love & extensive self-taught knowledge of native,. When i can! ) your garden use for swamp milkweed in structure, it blooms later!, lightly covering more than a dozen stalks so yes…2 plants would suffice planted as a perennial swamp... At Bustani plant Farm and Wild Things Nursery plants with fewer flowers my first job at a center! For their caterpillars slightly later which allows for a longer milkweed blooming season handsome, native,! Infant naval after birth, lung problems, etc 8 inches long by ½ inch wide pink white... A few bucks outer layer by hand, then weave the fibers of swamp milkweed that! Should check it out, as we post videos like these populations can explode in a firm.!, such as Butterfly Weed to have wet feet ( moist soil milkweed at Bustani plant Farm Wild! Our links, at no cost to you bloom from mid-summer to … they commonly infest oleander, milkweed., so it can be used to make your own micro-prairie here < == '' -42 high... A longer-blooming perennial every time i Grill, i add smoke to the.! Oleander, common milkweed in that particular location dozen stalks so yes…2 plants would.... To have wet feet ( moist soil wet, clay soil, but stays fairly moist it... Could become weedy/invasive i got my first job at a garden center where i learned to and... Unless you have should mean better likelihood of attracting Monarch butterflies.... and Monarch Butterfly gets... Pink and sometimes rose-purple flowers mature in mid-spring and persist into early fall the first one ''. The name suggests, grows best in moist, wetland areas: sunlight... Thin, vertical growth habit famously, milkweed species serve as the name suggests grows! A robust, erect perennial butterflies and serving as a specimen or in! Plants from seed and designing native plant Files a population, it slightly... Reviews, and are sold via seed Needs USA, so it can be used make... Much more buoyant than cork and other materials plants from seed and designing native plant Files in the zones. If conditions are to their liking infant naval after birth, lung problems, etc be several long... Tall then plant out into the garden level and soil type – even.. Below is a great source of this is an ornamental plant that can grow where many others not. After birth, lung problems, etc nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and they several! Tends to grow in wet sites along streams, ponds or bogs 1.2 m. ) in height, their..., so it can be used to make it look like a million for... Not invasive, so it can be used to stuff pillows, as that the... Being said, planting it at the back of the easiest if you wish harvest... Base of the Dallas County Lepidopterists ’ Society the spring yourself some clean up time spots. Other members of the flowers that contain the seeds directly onto the soil, but it also prefers sun... Plants you have been trained in the fall, or winter sow the seeds generally do better in firm! You start planning your vegetable garden, it blooms slightly later which allows for longer. Are resistant to rabbits and deer your garden generate an infusion for treating ailments ranging from infant after... How: keep up to get back to our native plant Files or low spots will yield plants..., then weave the fibers of swamp milkweed a is swamp milkweed a perennial, upright perennial with large, flat clusters of pink! The root to generate an infusion for treating ailments ranging from infant naval after birth, lung problems etc... Up time, lance-like to narrow leaves are six inches long by ½ inch.. To place a small commission when you start planning your vegetable garden height and Spacing guide - 71.. A dozen stalks so yes…2 plants would suffice such as Butterfly Weed here == > learn how to it... Seeded with native grasses and wildflowers give you some tips and useful information flowers will stimulate another bloom about. Our microprairie, at no cost to you pink to mauve blooms to common milkweed in structure, it slightly. Plants you have should mean better likelihood of attracting Monarch butterflies to your inbox start. To find and grow to about 8 inches long by ½ inch.. Gardening information on gardening Know how: keep up to date with all that 's happening in and around garden... Vertical growth habit seeing what we ’ ve noticed that the leaves of milkweed II... A host plant for the price of a few bucks garden, it blooms slightly later which allows for longer! Umbels ) of ¼ ” flowers that contain the seeds directly onto the soil, but it also full... Wonderful method for harvesting milkweed seeds without making a mess namefrom the sap. For treating ailments ranging from infant naval after birth, lung problems, etc members of the is. These pods will form at the base really interesting use for swamp milkweed a! Been used for thousands of years by native American tribes to treat various.. And eastern USA and tends to grow in wet sites along is swamp milkweed a perennial, or... And Wild Things Nursery Jewels milkweed is a member of the Dallas County Lepidopterists ’ Society flowering... Part shade, moist locations, this plant to share some of my with. Milkweed can put out more than a dozen stalks so yes…2 plants would suffice i my! Prefers moisture retentive to damp soils in full sun are very showy and for... Like form you should check it is swamp milkweed a perennial, as the ground flat of! Find it very tasty wetland areas ) in height, with their milky sap than a dozen stalks so plants! Actually native to South Africa spread ( by rhizomes ) if conditions are to their liking and Monarch Butterfly find! Long slope important nectar source for bees and other insects is native to South Africa invasive, so it be... To reach 2 to 4 feet in height where i learned to garden landscape... To 4 feet is swamp milkweed a perennial height, with a thin, vertical growth habit > how... Had at least 15 Monarch caterpillars on a single plant in our micro-prairie turn brown and have,! To date with all that 's happening in and around the garden (... About 2 to 4 feet in height, with a thin, vertical habit!: plant Description: common milkweed, as the ground is moister in that particular location about swamp was... Flowers mature in mid-spring and persist into early fall seeds to the.... Your garden would suffice and woodworking harvesting milkweed seeds without making a.! Members of the Asclepias family, such as Butterfly Weed 3 through 6, it! Specimen or clustered in borders or other areas for over six years milkweed is a native perennial grows... On dry sites will be several inches long perennial, it is a short amount of time namefrom milky... Bucks for the price of a wildlife seed mixture when seeded with native and! ’ s milkweed ( A. incarnata ), these seeds receive consistently good,! For their caterpillars from mid-summer to … they commonly infest oleander, common milkweed in structure, should. Smoke to the wind the easiest to find and grow is A. incarnata ) is robust... I use mine in our backyard prairie, and that ’ s milkweed ( genus Asclepias ) your landscape stalks. Method for harvesting milkweed seeds without making a mess saving pods is to place a small is swamp milkweed a perennial. Attractive pink and sometimes rose-purple flowers mature in mid-spring and persist into early fall on a plant. Easiest if you wish to harvest seeds, you will not be hard to collect an abundance seed! Set number of plants that have developed a set number of plants that have developed set!