Clusters of white flowers attract bees and butterflies and bloom spring-fall. The hood is a petal-like structure that arises from the base of the filament and acts as a sheath around an inner appendage called the horn. They are used especially in gardens designed to attract butterflies. The plants are also sold as freshly cut flowers, mostly for their long-lasting flower display, but sometimes, for the distinctive follicles. The emerging caterpillars feed on the leaves. Map from USDA PLANTS Database. The nectar of the plant attracts many other species of butterflies and insects as well. This beautiful, native wildflower is naturally found on floodplains, water way margins, marshes, cypress swamps, ditches and wet lands. 1400 Independence Ave., SW [2] 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. Tolerates most garden situations from full sun to shade and thrives with regular moisture. Even though it is found in wet meadows and swamp margins, it is also happy in a well drained upland garden soil in full or mostly full sun. Typically, its stems are branched and the clump forming plants emerge in late spring after most other plants have begun growth for the year. White swamp milkweed (Asclepias perennis) flowers. Asclepias perennis (White Swamp Milkweed or White Aquatic Milkweed) grows 1-2ft tall. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and Swamp Milkweed will certainly be included in this perfunctory 'Native Plant' order. Swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata Purple milkweed, Asclepias purpurascens Prairie milkweed, Asclepias sullivantii Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca Butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa Whorled milkweed, Asclepias verticillata Green comet milkweed, Asclepias viridiflora. Swamp milkweed plants can be distinguished from their other milkweed cousins both by these showy pink flowers and by their habitat, as they are the only species of milkweed … The oppositely arranged leaves are 7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in) long and 1 to 4 cm ( ⁄2 to 1 ⁄2 in) wide and are narrow and lance-shaped, with the ends tapering to a sharp point. $10.00 Butterfly weed seed packet, Asclepias tuberosa 50 hand collected seeds. Photo by Christopher David Benda. Cardiac glycosides are present in the milky sap and can cause rapid heart rate and general weakness. Many milkweeds are suited to dry soils but some, like swamp milkweed, need moist and rich soil to grow well. Habitats include floodplain and bottomland woodlands, swamps (including Bald Cypress swamps), borders of ponds and streams in shady areas, and ditches. From shop MilkweedGalore. However, the Milkweed patterns are consistent on all Milkweeds. https://illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/ws_milkweed.html Like other Asclepias, this is a larval host to the Monarch butterfly, and is pollinated by many other butterflies and bees as well. Clouds of fragrant, bright-white blooms also attract and support a crowd of other pollinators. White Swamp Milkweed is known for attracting an array of beneficial insects such as bumblebees, lady bugs, hummingbirds and most importantly the endangered Monarch butterfly. 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. [4], The plants bloom in early through mid-summer, producing small, fragrant, pink to mauve (sometimes white) colored flowers in rounded umbellate racemes. A pollinator-favorite, especially for Monarch butterflies. Their native habitats range from deserts and rocky areas to prairies and meadows to swamp lands. Hi there. Growers are able to quickly produce plant material to meet the milkweed demand. The nectar-rich flowers provide food for butterflies, especially the Monarch that proceeds to lay eggs on this and other milkweeds. Both are probably sold with little or no consumer interaction; either could be the consumers first Native Plant purchase. Washington DC 20250-1103, Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices, Native Plant Material Accomplishment Reports, Fading Gold: The Decline of Aspen in the West, Wildflowers, Part of the Pagentry of Fall Colors, Tall Forb Community of the Intermountain West, Strategic Planning, Budget And Accountability, Recreation, Heritage And Volunteer Resources, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air And Rare Plants. White swamp milkweed produces an inflorescence with few flowers. From shop TouchofHeavenGardens. The Pink Swamp Milkweed, being a milkweed, is important support for the Monarch butterflies But it is also a stunning perennial wildlfower and therefore deserving of a place in the perennial border. Small, fragrant, pink to mauve flowers (1/4" wide), each with five reflexed petals and an elevated central crown, appear in tight clusters … 'Ice Ballet' Swamp Milkweed is a staple of the butterfly garden, providing essential food, nectar and shelter to Monarchs at every life stage. The scented, thick, white roots are in environments low in oxygen. The fruits are erect follicles that split along a single suture to release the seeds. The pure white 'Milkmaid' has rounded umbels of fragrant flowers that bloom in summer. Good in heavy wet soils at the edge of ponds, it also does well in rich garden soil. Swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata seeds. Swamp milkweed prefers moisture retentive through damp soils in full sun or partial shade and is typically found growing wild near the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and low areas—or along ditches. Stems and leaves contain a milky sap that exudes when plants are damaged. Favorite Add to Swamp Milkweed Combo (200 seeds) MilkweedGalore. Photo by Christopher David Benda. White Swamp Milkweed is known for attracting an array of beneficial insects such as bumblebees, lady bugs, hummingbirds and most importantly the endangered Monarch butterfly. Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. The flowers are very showy and good for attracting butterflies. Not to be confused with swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), white swamp milkweed flowers are white and restricted to floodplain forest and along streams. Swamp milkweed is an upright, 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in) tall plant, growing from thick, fleshy, white roots. Fragrant clusters of flowers are a magnet for butterflies and pollinators. The actinomorphic flowers have five reflexed petals and an elevated central crown. Four species of native milkweed are found in most states: the Whorled Milkweed, Common Milkweed, and Swamp Milkweeds, and Butterfly Weed. White swamp milkweed is a perennial plant in the Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). The genus name “ Asclepias ” refers to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios, while “ perennis ” refers to this being a perennial plant. Located in the mitten state of Michigan, Seed Needs ships out more than 200,000 Seed Packets to happy customers all over the USA. The seeds of this species are unique compared to most other milkweeds, which occur in open landscapes and have fluffy seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Description: Grows up to 1m in height but is … Asclepias incarnata, commonly called swamp milkweed, is an erect, clump-forming, Missouri native plant which is commonly found in swamps, river bottomlands and wet meadows throughout the State. HABITAT: Swamps, sloughs, bottomland hardwood forests, marshes, ditches, & ... White Milkweed, Red-ring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata) Craig Fraiser . The genus name “Asclepias” refers to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios, while “perennis” refers to this being a perennial plant. While many Swamp Milkweeds make their homes in wetlands, 'Ice Ballet' thrives in drier soils. … The white flowers of Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed are the perfect backdrop for butterflies that visit each summer. Asclepias perennis. This species is cultivated frequently, and a number of cultivars are available. Asclepias incarnata is grown as a perennial flowering plant that returns each year from it’s deeply established root system. White Swamp Milkweed Seeds - Asclepias incarnata Ice Ballet Food for Monarch caterpillars and butterflies. Posted by YES! Swamp Milkweed - White: Botanical Name: Asclepias incarnata: Life Cycle: Perennial: Light Requirement: Full Sun: Planting Season: Spring, Fall: Plant Type: North American Native, Herbaceous Perennial, Umbrel Cluster Blooms, Lanceolate … Swamp milkweed is a native, perennial, wildflower growing three to six feet tall. White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) Shirley Denton . Plant in a sunny spot with moist soil. Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed) is another one of the best milkweeds for butterfly gardens because it … For the swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), these seeds receive consistently good reviews, and are sold via Seed Needs USA. Easily cultivated and versatile. 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. Asclepias perennis seeds. White Swamp Milkweed is known for attracting an array of beneficial insects such as bumblebees, lady bugs, hummingbirds and most importantly the endangered Monarch butterfly. Zones 6-9. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T64264155A67728543.en, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Asclepias_incarnata&oldid=994750158, Flora of the Great Lakes region (North America), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 17 December 2020, at 10:11. General description: Erect herbaceous perennial with multiple stems, elongated leaves, and clusters of small whitish flowers. Asclepias arenaria is also similar to … White swamp milkweed (Asclepias perennis) is an herbaceous perennial (height – 12 to 18 inches) for full to part sun. Image courtesy USFWS Financial support for the Monarch-Milkweed Initiative Seed Needs LLC is a family owned and operated seed shop that offers more than 600 varieties of flower seeds, herb seeds, vegetable seeds and vine seeds. Instead, this plant, being a denizen of swampy habitats, has winged seeds that are designed to float on the surface of the water and are dispersed with flood events. Magazine on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. Not to be confused with swamp milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ), white swamp milkweed flowers are white and restricted to floodplain forest and along streams. 4.5 out of 5 stars (438) 438 reviews $ 3.75. The genus was named in honor of Aesculapius, Greek god of medicine, undoubtedly because some species have long been used to treat a variety of ailments. The swamp variety of Asclepias will grow in zones 3-9 and can reach a height of five feet tall! Blooming occurs in mid- through late summer and after blooming long, relatively thin, rounded follicles are produced that grow uprightly. The plants have specialized roots which function in heavy, wet soils. [6] It is one of the best attractors of the monarch butterfly, which feeds on the flowers and lays her eggs on the plants. Milkweed (Asclepias) Milkweed are beautiful American wildflowers and delightful garden plants. Milkweed flowers are highly specialized. Plants have narrow lance shaped leaves with pointed tips and smooth margins. White Swamp Milkweed (100 Seeds) Swamp Milkweed will produce clusters of beautiful white flowers. Identification is somewhat difficult because its leaves vary from mostly smooth to covered with fine cream-colored hair. Range map of white swamp milkweed. The result in many cases is … The oppositely arranged leaves are 7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in) long and 1 to 4 cm (1⁄2 to 1 1⁄2 in) wide and are narrow and lance-shaped, with the ends tapering to a sharp point. After blooming, green follicles, approximately 12 cm (4 3⁄4 in) long, are produced that when ripe, split open. It gets its common name from its white sap, although it has less sap than many of its relatives. Tolerates wet sites, but also does well in general landscape situations. Our Views: La. Swamp milkweed is an upright, 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in) tall plant, growing from thick, fleshy, white roots. White Swamp Milkweed - Asclepias perennis,is occasional in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is not found. $8.00 Sold out To help the monarchs, get passionate about milkweed. Perennial Zone: 3-9 Height: 3-4 ft Spread: 2-3 in Spacing: 3-4 ft Bloom Color: White This member of the milkweed family is a deer resistant This picture illustrates the corona with it's 5 hoods (this is where nectar is stored) and it's … They then release light or dark brown, flat seeds that are attached to silver-white, silky hairs which catch the wind. Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed) is another one of the best milkweeds for butterfly gardens because it feeds both monarch caterpillars and butterflies. White Swamp Milkweed Seeds - Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet' TouchofHeavenGardens. Despite this toxicity, many species of milkweeds were once used medicinally, which is why this group of plants was named after the Greek god of medicine. Milkweed flower color varies across species and can be white, yellow, green, purple, pink, orange, or red. The plants themselves grow to a mature height of about 36 to 60 inches tall. It produces these flowers in midsummer, followed by narrow seed pods that open to reveal flat brown seeds attached to the classic white tufts associated with milkweed plants. Similar to common milkweed in structure, it blooms slightly later which allows for a longer milkweed blooming season. The flower color varies from darker shades of purple through soft, pinkish purple and a white flowering form exists as well. The name “milkweed” comes largely from the milky white sap that will ooze out of stems and leaves when broken. 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