Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), previously known as Swamp Milkweed, is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. Typically growing between 3 to 4 feet tall, it occasionally reaches up to 5 feet, forming clumps that spread 2 to 3 feet wide. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist to wet soils, often found along stream banks, pond edges, and in wet meadows. Blooming from July to August, Rose Milkweed produces fragrant clusters of pink to mauve flowers, each about 1/4 inch wide with five reflexed petals surrounding an elevated central crown. These blossoms are particularly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Rose Milkweed plays a crucial ecological role. It serves as a host plant for the larvae of Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), providing essential foliage for caterpillar development. Additionally, its nectar-rich flowers support various pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, contributing to local biodiversity. The plant’s deep taproots make it drought-tolerant once established, and its resistance to deer browsing adds to its suitability for naturalized areas, rain gardens, and butterfly gardens.
