Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Pink flowers bloom atop strong stems, 2-4′ tall with long narrow leaves.  Flowers bloom in June through October.   Interesting seedpods in fall, fun for kids and used for decorating.

High wildlife value, attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds – an amazing array of pollinators.  Doesn’t need a swamp-it grows in moist perennial beds/pollinator gardens, although its natural habitat is usually wet, rich, heavy soils and pond edges.  Appreciates full sun.

Native to most US states, except Pacific coastal states; native to eastern Canada.  Special attention has been brought to the milkweeds because of their specialist association with the monarch butterfly caterpillars as part of efforts to protect monarch butterflies.

• For more information on monarch butterflies: Monarchs and milkweed
• and this recent article:  are-monarchs-endangered-scientists-debate

This plant is toxic and should be avoided where you have grazing animals.

For really interesting details about pollination of milkweeds in general check this out!  sticky situation

_{Images: Arthur Haines & Bill Cullina via GoBotany/Native Plant Trust.}