Asclepias incarnata (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Swamp milkweed
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Width (ft)
3.0 - 4.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Rabbit resistant
Yes

Commercially Available

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Photographer: winterlark
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: winterlark
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

iNaturalist Research-grade Observation Image Gallery
Habitat

Tends to grow in wet sites along streams, ponds, or bogs. 

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for pollinators including Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. It is the larval host plant for Monarch (Danaus plexippus) larvae

High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Additional Notes

Blooming Experts recommends the you use your USDA hardiness zone as a proxy for when the last monarchs typically clear your area. A hard fall cutback is safe only after that window closes — or after the first killing frost, whichever comes first. In zones 5–6 they recommend pruning after October 15, zones 7–8 after November 1

Poisonous to Humans:
Poison Severity:
Low
Poison Symptoms:

Can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, and confusion if eaten in quantity. Milky sap can cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation

Causes Contact Dermatitis:
Yes
Poison Part:
Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems
Also a Problem For:
Dogs and Horses
Flower Color
Cream/White
Pink
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Monarchs
Recommended for
Border
Butterfly garden
Meadows
Pollinator garden
Rain garden
Slope or Bank
Streams, ponds, wetlands
Tolerates
Wet conditions
Species-specific links
Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora - Species account
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Species Account
Additional links
Earth Sangha Compendium
How to Prune Milkweed Plants: Cutting Back for Monarchs and a Tidier Fall Garden