Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

$14.00
New

| Hardiness Zones 3-8

Add beauty and biodiversity to your garden with Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as Swamp Milkweed—a native perennial prized for its clusters of rosy pink blooms and its vital role in supporting pollinators. Native to moist meadows, streambanks, and lowland prairies across North America, this adaptable milkweed variety thrives in rain gardens, wet soils, and sunny borders, making it a perfect pick for ecologically conscious gardeners.

From mid to late summer, Asclepias incarnata produces fragrant flowers that attract monarch butterflies, bees, and a host of beneficial insects. It serves as a critical host plant for monarch caterpillars and offers nectar for adults—helping sustain declining butterfly populations. Unlike its more aggressive cousin, Asclepias syriaca, Swamp Milkweed is well-mannered and clump-forming, growing upright to about 3–5 feet tall.

Key Features:

  • Native, deer-resistant perennial with high ecological value

  • Soft pink blooms from July to September

  • Excellent for butterfly gardens, wetland plantings, and rain gardens

  • Host plant for monarch butterflies

  • Tolerates clay soils and seasonal flooding once established

Photo courtesy of Mary Kleim.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 3 - 8
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist
  • Height at Maturity: 3 - 5 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Fast
Flower/Foliage

Flower Description:

Asclepias incarnata produces showy, domed clusters (umbels) of small, star-shaped flowers in varying shades of soft to deep pink, sometimes with a subtle lavender hue. Each flower features a central crown surrounded by five reflexed petals, giving it a delicate, sculptural look. Blooming from mid to late summer, the flowers emit a light vanilla fragrance that attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. As the season progresses, the blossoms give way to slender, upright seed pods that split open to release silky-haired seeds, perfect for natural reseeding or collection.

Foliage Description:

The foliage of Asclepias incarnata is equally elegant—narrow, lance-shaped leaves grow in opposite pairs along sturdy, unbranched stems. Leaves are medium to deep green, with a smooth texture and prominent central veins, creating a lush, upright vertical form. While not fragrant, the foliage plays a critical role as a food source for monarch caterpillars. The plant maintains a tidy clump and does not spread aggressively, making it ideal for mixed borders or naturalistic plantings.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

New: Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart

Size: 1 Quart

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Size: 1 Quart

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.