Asclepias Species, Swamp Milkweed, Woodson Swamp Milkweed

Found growing in ditches and along ponds, Woodson Swamp Milkweed (A. incarnata L. ssp. pulchra) has been the most beloved plant in my but...Read Moreterfly and bee garden in Delaware, where it blooms for almost the entire month of August. It attracts and provides nectar to all butterfly species, but, of course, especially Monarchs, who lay their eggs profusely on the leaves, which are a lovely bright green tinged with light purple. The plant likes ordinary soil and will grow fine with just normal rainfall. If grown where the roots receive afternoon shade, it stays at 4 ft or under. In full sun, mine is almost 6 ft tall. If you want to help Monarch butterflies, you can't go wrong with this plant.

This subspecies is hairier than the species, and the leaves are broader with shorter petioles.

Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata subsp. pulchra, is native to Texas and other States.