FLOWERS & GROUND COVER

Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata

The juice of this wetland milkweed is less milky than that of other species. The genus was named in honor of Aesculapius, Greek god of medicine, undoubtedly because some species have long been used to treat a variety of ailments.

The Latin species name means "flesh-colored.” Deep pink flowers clustered at the top of a tall, branching stem, bearing numerous narrow, lanceolate leaves. Flowers: 1/4" (6 mm) broad, typical of the milkweeds, with 5 recurved petals and elevated central crown divided into 5 parts. Leaves: to 4" (10 cm) long, opposite. Fruit: an elongated pod, 2-4" (5-10 cm) long, opening along one side. Height: 1-4' (30-120 cm).