Plant Profile: Asclepias incarnata subsp. pulchra

Eastern Swamp Milkweed is a wildflower indigenous to wetlands such as bogs and marshes. It thrives in various regions of North Carolina, including coastal, Piedmont, and mountainous areas. While it bears resemblance to A. incarnata, it can be identified by its wider leaves, denser growth habit, and richer flower coloration, although these traits can vary significantly. This plant typically reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet, and its 5-inch seed pods remain through the winter months. In 2005, it was honored as North Carolina's Wildflower of the Year.

Naturally, Eastern Swamp Milkweed flourishes near ponds, streams, swamps, and bogs, making it well-suited for low-lying garden areas that retain moisture. It adapts well to clay soils and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. This species is an important pollinator, attracting bees, and serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies, making it an excellent choice for native and pollinator gardens.

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