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Milkweed, Swamp

Asclepias incarnata

Early blooming milkweed; foliage consumed by monarch caterpillars; stem with pods used for dried bouquets

 

$3.00$98.00

For quantity discount pricing, request a quote.

Description

Milkweed seeds have a tuft of long silky hairs attached to one end, which is the seed dispersal mechanism as a breeze can move the seeds quite a distance; kids find the “floating seeds” fascinating. During World War II, the silky hairs from the seed were used in life jackets instead of kapok; many kids contributed to the war effort by harvesting the seeds. Milkweed latex has also been considered as a potential source or rubber and hydrocarbons. Native Americans used the roots to treat swollen glands and to expel tapeworms while colonists used it to treat asthma, rheumatism, syphilis, and heart worms. Also called Rose Milkweed and Marsh Milkweed. The scientific name, Asclepias, is derived from the Greek god of medicine, Asklepios; incarnata refers to the flesh color of the flowers..

Wildlife notes

Swamp Milkweed flowers are visited by many nectar-seeking pollinators including bumblebess, honeybees, and other bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The leaves and other plant parts are consumed by a variety of insects, including the well-known Monarch butterfly caterpillar. Mammals don’t find this plant to be a favorite due to the fact that it contains cardiac glycosides which are bitter and toxic; however the young shoots and leaves are eaten by deer and rabbits while muskrats and other wetland mammals will consume the roots.

 

Additional information

Weight N/A
Unit

Packet, Ounce, Pound

Light

Full Sun to Part Shade

Soils

Average, Moist

Height

48"-60"

Bloom Month

Aug, Sep

Color

Pink

Specialty Uses

Butterfly, Edible, Medicinal

What is PLS?

Pure Live Seed (PLS) is the portion of good viable seed per pound. It is a measure of the seed that is alive and able to sprout into plants. This product is sold by PLS ounce/pound. To provide one ounce/pound of viable seed, you will receive more than one ounce/pound of product. Read more about PLS here.