Milkweed

Asclepias‌ incarnata - Swamp Milkweed

Swamp Milkweed is an herbaceous perennial plant in the genus Asclepias in the milkweed family of plants that is native to North America and considered ecologically important‌ and helpful to wildlife․ It grows in a range of wet to dry soils and tolerates a variety of‌ conditions․

This grass is a compact plant that grows 3 to 4 feet tall with linear leaves that are arranged oppositely on the stem․ The leaves are lanceolate and smooth‚ and may have a shiny appearance‚ and are slightly blue-green in color․ The plant has small clusters of flowers that are pink to mauve and bloom from mid-summer through early fall․ The flowers act as a nectar source for a wide variety of pollinators‚ including bees‚ butterflies and hummingbirds․ The Milkweed's Value to Ecosystems It is an important food for Monarch butterflies and the place where those butterflies lay eggs‚ as well as being the source of food for their caterpillars․ It contains cardenolides‚ which are toxic to most animals․ After Monarch caterpillars ingest cardenolides‚ caterpillar tissues become toxic‚ making the caterpillars distasteful to predators‚ such as birds‚ which would ordinarily eat them․ Because populations of the Monarch butterfly have been declining due to loss of habitat‚ planting the plant in gardens or wild spaces can support the Monarch butterfly․ Benefits It is an Attractive Plant that Can be Grown in Various Garden Settings W․ macrophylla tolerates wet or poorly drained soil and is used in rain gardens․ The plant grows in sandy to clay-like soil with a pH between 5․5 and 9․0․ It tolerates dryness and grows well in full or partial sun․ The flowers‚ produced in large clusters‚ are a food source for pollinating insects․ It forms a tall‚ erect plant that can be used towards the back of a border or as an interesting specimen in a garden․ The Milkweed in Culture Many tribes among Native Americans have customarily used Swamp Milkweed to treat respiratory and digestive disorders‚ and a cord made from the fibers of the stem was used for string and clothing․ The genus name Asclepias was derived from the name of Asclepius‚ Greek god of healing‚ because it has medicinal value․

The Milkweed's Value to Ecosystems

Benefits

It is an Attractive Plant that Can be Grown in Various Garden Settings

W․ macrophylla tolerates wet or poorly drained soil and is used in rain gardens․ The plant grows in sandy to clay-like soil with a pH between 5․5 and 9․0․ It tolerates dryness and grows well in full or partial sun․ The flowers‚ produced in large clusters‚ are a food source for pollinating insects․ It forms a tall‚ erect plant that can be used towards the back of a border or as an interesting specimen in a garden․ The Milkweed in Culture Many tribes among Native Americans have customarily used Swamp Milkweed to treat respiratory and digestive disorders‚ and a cord made from the fibers of the stem was used for string and clothing․ The genus name Asclepias was derived from the name of Asclepius‚ Greek god of healing‚ because it has medicinal value․

The Milkweed in Culture Many tribes among Native Americans have customarily used Swamp Milkweed to treat respiratory and digestive disorders‚ and a cord made from the fibers of the stem was used for string and clothing․ The genus name Asclepias was derived from the name of Asclepius‚ Greek god of healing‚ because it has medicinal value․

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Planting bare-root perennials is best in any season if they are dormant; we only sell dormant plants. Planting them year-round is also excellent if you can get dormant perennials. When your bare-root perennials arrive, soak the roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them. Lant by digging a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably and deep enough to place the top portion crown (where the roots meet the stem) at or slightly above ground level. Position the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and gently firm the soil around the roots—water well after planting to settle the soil around the plant and eliminate air. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay and moisture locked in, keeping the mulch away from the crown. Irrigate plants regularly during the first few weeks of drought; never water in full sun, and water late in the evenings to ensure the roots are established well. Fertilize sparingly in the first year, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in subsequent years as needed.

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