Swamp Milkweed

Of the three Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) plants I grew from seed last year, one has bloomed this summer. The other two were molested by rabbits and while they are growing again, I doubt they will have time to bloom this year. A few weeks ago I wrote about the monarch caterpillar I found on the plant, eating its fill.

This plant loves a moist area of the garden. Originally I planted Butterly Weed in this spot, but it was too wet and kept failing. Looks like Swamp Milkweed is much happier in this location. It is pretty difficult to find the plant in local garden centers, but I did find some at Linder's in Saint Paul a few weeks ago. Otherwise, you will have to grow from seed like me. The pink blossoms on the plant are quite lovely.