Swamp Milkweed
Growth Habit
HerbaceousPropagation
Seed Treatment and Storage: Moist cold stratify 30-60 days at 40°F then bring to 70°F in seed starting mix or similar medium
Biocultural Value
The Chippewa and Haudenosaunee twined swamp milkweed stem fibers into a multipurpose cordage. Medicinally, the plant (especially the root) was used widely as a kidney and urinary aid, cathartic, diuretic, and emetic.
Poisonous
All species of Asclepias are distasteful to livestock and pets. Swamp milkweed can be toxic if ingested and has been reported to cause poisonings in sheep, cattle, and goats. Leaves, stems, and fruit contain the cardiac glycosides desglucosyrioside and syrioside.
Wildlife Value
Swamp milkweed and common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) are the preferred host plants of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Swamp milkweed also serves as a larval host plant for the queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) and late-season nectar source for a variety of butterflies and moths, including great spangled fritillaries (Speyeria cybele), red admirals (Vanessa atalanta), hummingbird clearwing moths (genus Hemeris), and skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae). Bees and wasps are swamp milkweed's primary pollinators, spreading masses of pollen (called pollinia) between flowers. The flowers are also visited by a variety of wasps, ants, flies, beetles, and bugs. Mammalian herbivores avoid the toxic foliage.
Poisonous
YesLocation
Fall Creek Gorge, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Ringwood Ponds, Mundy Wildflower GardenCultivation
Description
Densley branching, somewhat thick-stemmed perennial reaching 1.75 m in height; leaves 5-15 cm long, linear-elliptic to narrowly ovate, opposite; inflorescences often paired, axillary, held towards ends of stems; corolla lobes white to pink, hood stalked.
Source of plant
North Creek Nurseries, Lazy S's Farm Nursery, Krissy Boys, The Plantsmen, The Flowery Branch
