Seed Needs Milkweed Seeds for Planting Pink Swamp Asclepias incarnata - Heirloom & Untreated Perennial Flower Seed to Plant a Monarch Butterfly Garden (10 Packs)

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), also known as rose milkweed or marsh milkweed, is a graceful native North American perennial wildflower that thrives in moist to wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, stream banks, marshes, swamps, and other wetland or riparian habitats across much of the eastern and central United States and southeastern Canada. This upright, clump-forming herbaceous plant typically reaches 3 to 5 feet in height with branching stems and narrow, lance-shaped, opposite leaves that are smooth and taper to a point. In summer, from June through August or September, it displays showy, rounded umbels of fragrant, pink to rose-purple (occasionally white) flowers composed of small, intricate blooms with curved horns, attracting a wide array of pollinators including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and especially monarch butterflies, for which it serves as a vital larval host plant. Unlike more aggressive milkweeds, swamp milkweed forms tidy clumps from fibrous roots without extensive rhizomatous spreading, and it exudes milky sap when stems or leaves are broken. In fall, elongated seed pods mature and split to release flat seeds with silky parachutes carried by the wind. Adaptable to full sun or partial shade and preferring rich, moist to wet soils (including clay or mucky conditions) while tolerating average garden moisture once established, Swamp Milkweed supports pollinator conservation, enhances biodiversity in naturalized or ecological landscapes, and adds elegant vertical interest with its long-blooming, nectar-rich displays.

• Habitat and Appearance: Pink Swamp Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias incarnata, thrives in wetland areas like swamps, marshes, and along riverbanks. It features striking pink to mauve flowers that bloom in clusters, attracting a variety of pollinators.
• Ecological Importance: This plant is a critical host for the larvae of the Monarch butterfly. Its nectar also serves as a vital food source for many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing significantly to local biodiversity.
• Growth and Propagation: Pink Swamp Milkweed grows to heights of 2 to 4 feet and prefers full sun to partial shade. It propagates easily from seeds, which need a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively, or through root cuttings.
• Conservation Status: While not currently listed as endangered, habitat loss due to wetland drainage and agricultural expansion poses threats. Conservation efforts often include planting this milkweed in restored wetlands or native plant gardens to support pollinator populations.
• Quality: All seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
• Quantity: Seed Needs offers generous quantities. You can share with friends and family, or you can save the extra seeds until the following season, if properly stored.
• Packets: Each seed packet displays an artful illustration of the variety to be grown, as well as detailed seed sowing information on the reverse side. They measure 3.5" wide by 5" tall.
• Promise: Seed Needs will never knowingly supply GMO based seed products. The vast majority of our seeds are open pollinated & heirloom, with the exception of a few hybrids.
• Germination: Seed Needs packets contain some of the freshest seed available. Direct from the growers. If sown correctly, you will begin seeing results in only a matter of days.
• Freshness: All seeds are packaged in tear resistant and moisture resistant packaging. This keeps the seeds a whole lot fresher than the competitions selection!