This milkweed is a tall native plant which is usually found in swamps, near rivers, and wet meadows throughout most of the United States (It is not native to the western states). It reaches 3 to 5 feet and is now producing clusters of small, pinkish flowers. These flowers are an important food source for butterflies. The leaves are lancelike.
Asclepias prefers full or partial sun, and wet to moist conditions – it will even tolerate standing water for periods of time. On the other hand, the plants will be smaller in dry conditions, although the plant will do fine in well drained soil as long as adequate watering occurs.
This milkweed species is considered toxic and should not be eaten (as opposed to common milkweed which has culinary uses)
swamp milkweed July 8 2011 Bridge Street conservation area, Barnstable
Leave a Reply