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Asclepias incarnata
Asclepias incarnata
from Wikipedia

Asclepias incarnata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Asclepias
Species:
A. incarnata
Binomial name
Asclepias incarnata
Synonyms[2]
  • Acerates incarnata (L.) Decne.

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.[3][4] 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. Like most other milkweeds, it has latex containing toxic steroids,[5] a characteristic that repels many species of insects and mammals.

Description

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Swamp milkweed is an upright, 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in) tall plant, growing from thick, fleshy, white roots. Typically, its stems are branched and the clump forming plants emerge in late spring after most other plants have begun growth for the year. The oppositely arranged leaves are 7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in) long and 1 to 4 cm (12 to 1+12 in) wide and are narrow and lance-shaped, with the ends tapering to a sharp point.[6]

The plants bloom in early through mid-summer, producing small, fragrant, pink to mauve (sometimes white) colored flowers in rounded umbellate racemes. The flower color varies from darker shades of purple through soft, pinkish purple, and a white flowering form exists as well. The actinomorphic flowers have five reflexed petals and an elevated central crown. After blooming, green follicles, approximately 12 cm (4+34 in) long, are produced that when ripe, split open. They then release light or dark brown flat seeds that are attached to silver-white, silky hairs which catch the wind. This natural mechanism for seed dispersal is similar to that used by other milkweed species.[7]

Taxonomy

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As of July 2021, Kew's Plants of the World Online (POWO) accepts 2 infraspecies,[2] each having numerous synonyms:[8][9]

  • Asclepias incarnata subsp. incarnata
    • Synonym: Asclepias albiflora Raf.
    • Synonym: Asclepias amoena Brongn.
    • Synonym: Asclepias incarnata f. albiflora (Raf.) A.Heller
    • Synonym: Asclepias incarnata f. candida Fernald
    • Synonym: Asclepias incarnata var. glabra Eaton & Wright
    • Synonym: Asclepias incarnata f. rosea B.Boivin
    • Synonym: Asclepias maritima Raf. ex Decne.
    • Synonym: Asclepias verecunda Salisb.
  • Asclepias incarnata subsp. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Woodson
    • Synonym: Asclepias incarnata var. neoscotica Fernald
    • Synonym: Asclepias incarnata f. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Voss
    • Synonym: Asclepias incarnata var. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Pers.
    • Synonym: Asclepias pulchra Ehrh. ex Willd.
    • Synonym: Asclepias pulchra f. albiflora House

The flower stalks and abaxial leaf surfaces of subspecies pulchra are abundantly pubescent, whereas those of the autonymous subspecies are nearly glabrous.[10]

Habitat

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Swamp milkweed prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil with rich, wet, very muddy to average garden moisture and full sun or partial shade. It is most often found on the margins of flooded plains, lakes, ponds, waterways, marshes, swamps, and other wet areas.[11] It is one of the best attractors of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), which feeds on the flowers and lays eggs on the plants.[12] The emerging caterpillars feed on the leaves.

The plants have specialized, thickened white roots which can function in heavy, wet soils that are low in oxygen. Blooming occurs in mid- through late summer. After blooming, long, relatively thin, rounded follicles are produced and grow upright. They split open in late summer through late fall, releasing seeds attached to silky hairs, which act as parachutes that carry the seeds in wind currents.

Cultivation

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A. incarnata is cultivated frequently, and a number of cultivars are available. They are used especially in gardens designed to attract butterflies (see Butterfly gardening). The nectar of the plant attracts many other species of insect as well. The plants are also sold as freshly cut flowers, mostly for their long-lasting flower display, but sometimes for the distinctive follicles.

Monarch Watch provides information on rearing monarchs and their host plants.[13] Efforts to increase monarch butterfly populations by establishing butterfly gardens and monarch migratory "waystations" require particular attention to the target species' food preferences and population cycles, as well to the conditions needed to propagate and maintain their food plants.[14][15]

The seeds of some milkweeds need periods of cold treatment (cold stratification) before they will germinate.[16] To protect seeds from washing away during heavy rains and from seed-eating birds, one can cover the seeds with a light fabric or with an 0.5 in (13 mm) layer of straw mulch.[17][18] However, mulch acts as an insulator. Thicker layers of mulch can prevent seeds from germinating if they prevent soil temperatures from rising enough when winter ends. Further, few seedlings can push through a thick layer of mulch.[19]

Breeding monarchs prefer to lay eggs on A. incarnata.[20] The species is therefore often planted in butterfly gardens and "Monarch Waystations" to help sustain monarch butterfly populations.[21] However, A. incarnata is an early successional plant that usually grows at the margins of wetlands and in seasonally flooded areas.[22]

The plant is slow to spread via seeds, does not spread by runners and tends to disappear as vegetative densities increase and habitats dry out. Although A. incarnata plants can survive for up to 20 years, most live only two-five years in gardens. The species is not shade-tolerant and is not a good vegetative competitor.[22]

Images

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, marsh milkweed, or rose milkweed, is a herbaceous plant in the family, characterized by its tall, upright growth and vibrant summer blooms. Native to eastern and central , it typically reaches 3 to 5 feet in height with slender, often unbranched stems that exude a milky sap when injured, a hallmark of the milkweed genus. The plant features opposite, lanceolate to oblong leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, and terminal umbels of fragrant flowers ranging from soft pink to deep rose-purple, blooming from to . Its seed pods are narrow follicles, 3 to 4 inches long, that split open to release seeds attached to silky white floss for wind dispersal. The genus Asclepias honors the Greek god of medicine , reflecting the plant's historical medicinal uses, while the species epithet incarnata derives from Latin, alluding to the flesh-like hue of its flowers. Previously classified under synonyms like Acerates incarnata, it is distinguished from other milkweeds by its slender horns longer than the hoods in the flower structure and acute leaves wider than 4 mm. The plant contains cardiac glycosides and resinoids, making it toxic to humans and if ingested, though it exhibits low poison severity. Asclepias incarnata thrives in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soils such as clay or with neutral to acidic , often in wetlands like swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, stream banks, and roadside ditches. Its distribution spans central and as well as the western central, eastern, and , primarily east of the . Ecologically, swamp milkweed plays a vital role as a host plant for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), where females lay eggs on its leaves and caterpillars feed on the foliage, while adults nectar on the flowers. It attracts a diverse array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, through its complex floral structure that facilitates pollination by insects. The plant is deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its toxicity, enhancing its value in naturalized landscapes and rain gardens. Recognized as the 2005 North Carolina Wildflower of the Year, it is widely cultivated for supporting pollinator habitats and adding aesthetic appeal with its showy blooms.

Taxonomy

Etymology and Synonyms

The genus name Asclepias derives from the Greek god (also known as Asklepios), the deity of and , a reference to the long history of medicinal uses attributed to plants in this genus, including treatments for various ailments derived from their and roots. The specific epithet incarnata is Latin for "flesh-colored" or "pinkish," alluding to the typical coloration of the plant's flowers. A. incarnata was first formally described by in his seminal work in 1753, establishing it as a distinct within the genus. Subsequent taxonomic revisions have recognized variations, such as subspecies and varieties, reflecting ongoing refinements in botanical classification. Accepted synonyms include Asclepias pulchra Ehrh. ex Willd., and Asclepias incarnata var. neoscotica Fern., among others that have been consolidated under the current nomenclature. Historical common names for the species encompass swamp milkweed, rose milkweed, and swamp silkweed, highlighting its wetland habitat and floral appearance.

Classification

_Asclepias incarnata is classified in the family , to which the genus belongs, following the merger of the former family Asclepiadaceae into Apocynaceae as a (). The species occupies the order within the class Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons) and phylum Magnoliophyta (angiosperms). The species comprises two subspecies: Asclepias incarnata subsp. incarnata, which features glabrate to sparsely puberulent stems and leaf blades, lanceolate-linear leaves, and petioles of 7–15 mm, and is primarily distributed in interior regions; and Asclepias incarnata subsp. pulchra, characterized by densely pilose stems and leaf blades, ovate-lanceolate leaves, shorter petioles of 1–8 mm, and deeper pink flower coloration, occurring mainly in coastal and piedmont areas east of the Appalachians. In relation to other milkweed species, A. incarnata differs from Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) by its narrower leaves, less aggressive rhizomatous spread, and preference for wetland habitats over the broader-leaved, drier-site tolerance of A. syriaca. Asclepias incarnata is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable populations across its wide North American range due to its adaptability and lack of significant threats.

Description

Morphology

Asclepias incarnata is an herbaceous that grows to a of 1 to 2 meters from a rhizomatous . The plant exhibits seasonal dieback, with aboveground portions emerging annually from persistent underground rhizomes that enable the formation of clonal colonies. The stems are upright, typically single or multiple from the base, and often branch repeatedly in the upper portions; they are smooth and glabrous, containing a characteristic sap throughout. Leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems, with a lanceolate shape measuring 5 to 15 cm in length and 1 to 3 cm in width; they taper to a pointed tip and are sessile or short-petioled, also producing milky sap when injured.

Flowers and Fruits

The flowers of Asclepias incarnata are arranged in terminal and upper axillary umbels, each typically containing 10 to 40 to florets. Each floret measures about 6-11 mm in length, featuring a 5-lobed corolla with reflexed petals and a central corona of five hooded stamens that form a distinctive crown structure. These fragrant blooms appear from to , attracting pollinators primarily through nectar guides and the pollinia mechanism, where pollen masses attach to visiting for transfer between flowers. Following , the develops slender, erect follicles as its , measuring 7-10 cm in length and 0.8-1.2 cm in width, which mature from green to brown in late summer to fall. Each follicle contains approximately 200-300 flat, brown , equipped with a white, silky (tuft of hairs) that facilitates wind dispersal upon splitting open. Seeds mature in the fall and exhibit high viability when subjected to cold moist stratification, typically requiring 30 days at 2-4°C to break and promote uniform in spring. All parts of Asclepias incarnata, including flowers and fruits, contain cardiac glycosides that render the plant toxic to most vertebrates.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Asclepias incarnata is native to eastern and central , with its range extending from and in the northeast, westward across and to , and southward to , , and . This distribution encompasses much of the east of the , excluding the Pacific states and a few southwestern areas, as well as central and eastern Canadian provinces. The species has been introduced in parts of , where it is occasionally reported as an alien plant, primarily through ornamental cultivation. It remains uncommon outside its native range. Overall, its current distribution appears stable in native areas, though regional declines have been noted due to wetland habitat loss. It thrives primarily in wetland habitats such as marshes and stream edges within this range. A. incarnata is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, tolerating cold winters down to -40°F (-40°C) typical of its northern native extent.

Environmental Preferences

Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, thrives in moist to wet soils, particularly those that are loamy or clay-based, and prefers a pH that is neutral to slightly acidic, though it can tolerate up to pH 8.0. It exhibits strong tolerance for periodic flooding, which aligns with its adaptation to saturated conditions in native wetland ecosystems, but it is vulnerable to prolonged drought and performs poorly in consistently dry environments. The plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth, with full sun promoting the most vigorous flowering and stature, while partial shade is tolerated without significant detriment in suitable moisture regimes. In terms of climate, A. incarnata is well-suited to temperate regions, exhibiting hardiness across USDA zones 3 through 9, which enables it to endure cold winters with temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C) and humid summers typical of its North American range. Its rhizomatous facilitates spread in saturated soils, allowing clonal colonies to form and enhancing resilience in fluctuating wet conditions, though excessive drainage can limit this propagation and overall vigor.

Ecology

Pollination and Reproduction

Asclepias incarnata exhibits a specialized pollination mechanism typical of the Apocynaceae family, where flowers produce abundant nectar to attract a diverse array of pollinators, including bees (such as honeybees Apis mellifera and bumblebees like Bombus spp.), butterflies (including monarchs Danaus plexippus and swallowtails Papilio glaucus), and wasps (such as Sphecodinae spp.). The pollen is packaged in waxy pollinia that attach to the insects' legs or mouthparts when they probe the stigmatic slits, facilitating transfer between flowers, though removal and deposition can be inefficient due to the pollinia's structure. Hymenopterans, particularly bees and wasps, are the predominant visitors and most effective pollinators, contributing to higher pollen deposition rates compared to lepidopterans, with visitation varying seasonally and by habitat disturbance levels. The breeding system of A. incarnata is largely , necessitating cross-pollination for optimal and production, although limited self-fertilization is possible with lower success rates. Cross-pollinations yield significantly higher follicle development—up to 5.6 times more successful than self-pollinations—particularly in the nominate A. incarnata subsp. incarnata, which displays stronger self-incompatibility than subsp. pulchra. This requirement promotes but depends on activity, with fruit set varying by year due to fluctuations in visitation and environmental factors like weather. Reproductive success in natural settings results in the production of slender follicles containing approximately 270 dark brown per , each equipped with a of silky hairs that enables long-distance wind dispersal shortly after pod dehiscence. set is influenced by efficiency and site conditions, with higher fruit production observed in disturbed habitats supporting denser populations. In addition to , A. incarnata engages in limited asexual through its weakly rhizomatous root system, which produces adventitious shoots and forms small clonal colonies of several stems from a single root crown. This vegetative spread contributes to local population persistence in moist habitats but is less extensive than in rhizome-dominant milkweeds like A. syriaca.

Interactions with Wildlife

Asclepias incarnata serves as a critical host plant for the larvae of the (Danaus plexippus), one of several milkweed species on which caterpillars feed, sequestering cardenolides—toxic compounds that provide against predators such as birds. These cardenolides, a type of , are stored in the caterpillars and later in adult butterflies, rendering them unpalatable or poisonous to most vertebrates. This interaction is essential for monarch survival, particularly along migration routes where A. incarnata supports breeding populations in eastern . As of 2025, eastern monarch populations have shown a partial rebound but remain low, highlighting the continued importance of native milkweeds like A. incarnata in conservation efforts. The 's nectar-rich flowers attract a diverse array of adult , including , bees, and hummingbirds, fostering interactions that enhance local networks. Species such as bumblebees, skippers, and various visit the blooms for sustenance, while hummingbirds occasionally feed on the , contributing to the 's role in supporting . While the cardiac glycosides in A. incarnata deter most generalist herbivores through toxicity that disrupts cardiac and nervous function, they benefit insects adapted to milkweed, such as the red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetraophthalmus), which feeds on the plant and sequesters the toxins for its own defense. This selective toxicity shapes trophic interactions, allowing certain herbivores to thrive while protecting the plant from broader consumption. In ecosystems, A. incarnata plays a key role in stabilizing soils through its , which helps prevent in damp, mucky environments, while its presence boosts overall by providing and resources for pollinators and migration corridors. This contribution is vital for conservation efforts aimed at supporting recovery along eastern flyways.

Human Uses

Cultivation

Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, thrives in managed garden settings that mimic its preference for moist conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens, wetland borders, or containers with consistent moisture. Ideal sites include full sun to partial shade locations with medium to wet, clay or loamy soils that retain water, though it can adapt to slightly drier average garden soils once established. Plant in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, selecting spots with neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.6-7.5) to support robust growth up to 3-5 feet tall. For planting, start seeds indoors 4-8 weeks before the last by stratifying them for 30-90 days at 35-40°F in a moist medium like damp paper towels or , then sow in trays with well-draining seedling mix at 65-75°F under bright light until in 10-21 days. Transplant seedlings or bare- in spring after the warms, spacing them 18-24 inches apart to allow for clump-forming growth via rhizomes, with the crown ¼-½ inch above level; water thoroughly to establish. Division of established clumps in spring or fall is also effective, ensuring each section has , while container planting requires deep pots (at least 12-16 inches) with drainage but regular watering to prevent drying out. Maintenance involves keeping soil consistently moist, especially in the first year, by watering during dry spells and applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, though mulching is optional in naturally wet sites. Prune dead stems to the ground in late winter or early spring after the plant dies back, avoiding cuts during the to protect emerging caterpillars; no is typically needed in fertile soils. Common pests like and milkweed beetles can be managed by hosing off or using , taking care not to harm beneficial insects such as larvae that feed on the foliage. Popular cultivars include '', which features deeper pink flowers with white centers for enhanced ornamental appeal, and 'Ice Ballet', a compact selection with pure white blooms suitable for smaller gardens. These varieties maintain the species' pollinator-friendly traits while offering color variations.

Medicinal and Ornamental Applications

_Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as swamp milkweed, is widely valued in ornamental for its attractive mauve-pink flower clusters that bloom from to August, providing visual appeal and fragrance in native plant landscapes. It is particularly suited for gardens, edges, and butterfly gardens due to its ability to thrive in moist conditions while attracting pollinators such as and hummingbirds. In wetland restoration projects, it serves as a key species for naturalizing areas, enhancing without invasive tendencies. Historically, utilized the roots of A. incarnata for various medicinal purposes, including preparing decoctions or infusions as diuretics to address urinary issues, ailments, and excessive or insufficient production. Tribes such as the applied cold infusions of roots topically as a dermatological aid to heal infants' navels and as a strengthening wash, while the Chippewa used root infusions as baths to bolster strength in children and adults. The employed root preparations as anthelmintics to expel tapeworms, cathartics, emetics, and carminatives for digestive relief, and some groups like the Rappahannocks used the sap to treat and ringworm. Modern interest in these applications is limited due to the plant's , with caution advised against internal use without expert guidance. Beyond medicinal and ornamental roles, the stems of A. incarnata have been historically processed by indigenous groups, such as the Chippewa, into strong fibers for cordage, twine, and other utilitarian items like bowstrings and fishing nets. In contemporary conservation efforts, it is promoted for planting in habitats, as it serves as a vital host plant for caterpillars and a source, supporting declining populations in gardens and restoration sites across the . Despite these benefits, A. incarnata poses significant risks due to its content of cardiac glycosides, toxic compounds present in all parts that can cause severe symptoms including , , spasms, and cardiac arrhythmias if ingested in large quantities. It is not recommended for consumption or medicinal self-treatment, and , particularly , are vulnerable to from contaminated forage, with potentially fatal outcomes at doses as low as 0.05% of body weight in dry material.

References

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