Swamp (Rose) Milkweed - Asclepias incarnata

Features: This milkweed has leaves that are narrower than Prairie Milkweed or Common Milkweed, but wider than Butterfly Weed. It is the only native Illinois milkweed to favor moist soil which makes it a good rain garden choice. Its clusters of pink flowers make it a very popular nectar plant for bumblebees, other native bees, wasps and beetles and the Monarch caterpillar will feed on the leaves. If it is in full sun, make sure it gets enough water. In part shade, it needs less.

Light: Full to partial sun

Soil: Wet to moist

Height: 2-5 feet

Blooms: July to September

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plants Database

Photo credits: Wild Ones West Cook 2014; Illinois Wildflowers