SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asclepias incarnata

COMMON NAME: Swamp Milkweed

GARDEN SIZE: 3-4 feet tall x 2-3 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 3 to 9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained medium to wet soil and has low to average water requirements. Tolerates clay soil.

HABIT (FORM): Clumping

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Green, narrow 3-6" lance-shaped leaves

FLOWERS: White to pink clusters, fragrant. Blooms July through August.

FRUIT: Green seed pods up to 4 inches long that open to release seeds with silky tails.

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to northeastern and southeastern United States, including Tennessee.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Sole host plant for the monarch butterfly. Feeds native bees, moths, and butterflies. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer. Never use pesticides.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Deadheading can encourage additional blooming. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Not considered edible for humans. The white latex sap can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched.

USES: Meadows, prairies, pollinator gardens.