Swamp Milkweed Info - Tips For Growing Swamp Milkweed Plants

Swamp milkweed, as the name suggests, grows best in moist, wetland areas. It likes wet, clay soil, but it also prefers full sun. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 6, where it grows as a perennial. The plants spread naturally by wind-borne seeds and by creeping roots that spread out slowly under the ground.

Does swamp milkweed spread?

Swamp milkweed spreads through rhizomes; established plants can be divided in late spring.

Should I cut back swamp milkweed?

It is recommended to prune the milkweed stalks to about 6 inches in height during the fall and winter months to discourage monarchs from establishing winter-breeding colonies. Cutting back the milkweed will also help to eliminate OE spores that may be present on the plant.

Does swamp milkweed come back every year?

You mentioned that you are growing swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata. Technically it is a perennial, but if you run into issues like I did (no leaves emerging) then re-seed and cut back old foliage. Perennial milkweeds grow back year after year. They provide habitat for traveling Monarch butterflies.

Does milkweed need a lot of sun?

Most milkweed species evolved in open areas where they were exposed to full sunlight and they will do best if they are planted in the sunniest areas of your gardens. A few species, such as A. purpurascens, appear to require partial shade. The timing of the collection of milkweed pods or seeds is critical.

Where should I plant swamp milkweed?

Is swamp milkweed poisonous to dogs?

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

What is the difference between swamp milkweed and common milkweed?

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Unlike common milkweed, the central stem may branch. Leaves can be up to 15cm in length (but are often shorter), are much narrower (1-4cm width) than common milkweed, and taper to a sharper point. Stems and leaves release a milky-white sap when broken.

What if Monarch caterpillars run out of milkweed?

Most enthusiasts have found most success with butternut squash as a substitute for milkweed leaves. Some of the other vegetables that have successfully been fed to Monarch caterpillars in the last instar (last few days) are cucumber, zucchini, and pumpkin.

What can I plant with swamp milkweed?

Swamp milkweed is lovely in the perennial border planted alongside other plants that tolerate sun/part shade, including New England aster, tall American bell flower, three-lobed coneflower, blue vervain, wild iris, and boneset.

Is swamp milkweed invasive?

Swamp milkweed is not invasive as some other milkweeds are and is well behaved in the garden.

How long do milkweed plants live?

There are over 100 species of milkweed in North America and the diversity of foliage and flower color is quite amazing. All milkweeds are herbaceous perennials, meaning they live for more than two years. In fact, most milkweeds will live for several years if cared for properly.

Does milkweed die in winter?

These native milkweed are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter. Cut back milkweed stalks in the late fall or winter, after they have produced seed pods and these seeds have had time to mature.

Will milkweed grow back after caterpillars?

If the caterpillars have striped your milkweed plant bare can you save the plant to re-grow ? Hi Kelcey, Yes, even if the caterpillars have eaten all the leaves and the plant is just stems, after a while, new leaves will sprout and grow. My milkweed plants have been stripped several times.

Why is my milkweed dying?

Funguses are often the result of too much rain or watering. ... It can also prevent another common fungus that causes milkweed to wilt and die.

How many milkweed seeds should I plant?

Sow 2 to 3 seeds in a pot filled with seed-starting mix, cover with ¼ inch of mix, water lightly and set under lights. Germination takes 7 to 10 days. Plant seedlings outside in a sunny spot when they have 3 to 4 sets of leaves and the ground is warm.

How far apart do you plant milkweed?

Spacing: To attract multitudes of monarchs to your garden, plant milkweed in groups of six or more, spacing plants or thinning seedlings to about 6 to 24 inches apart, depending on the species.

When should I plant milkweed?

The best time to put in Milkweed plants is in early spring after the danger of frost has passed, while the best time to plant milkweed from seed is in late fall - this allows mother Nature to take care of the cold stratification for you!

Does milkweed flower the first year?

In general, milkweed may not flower in the first year of growth, because it is investing its resources in growing a strong root system. ... Luckily, monarchs will lay their eggs on milkweed even if it is not flowering! The caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant, so your milkweed can still be a host plant without flowers.

Is milkweed poisonous to touch?

According to the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at Ohio State University, common milkweed is slightly toxic to humans, but only if eaten in large amounts.

What part of the milkweed is poisonous?

Leaves or other above-ground parts of the plant are poisonous. They contain several glucosidic substances called cardenolides that are toxic. Milkweed may cause losses at any time, but it is most dangerous during the active growing season. Several species of milkweed are poisonous to range animals.

Can milkweed kill dogs?

While milkweed is a boon to butterflies, it is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. It will cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested, and in severe cases, can cause cardiac arrhythmia.