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Swamp Milkweed Latin: Asclepias incarnata Family: Asclepiadaceae

Climate range.................................. Aspect range.................................... Mature height................................... Mature width.................................... Special purpose............................... Foliage type..................................... Soil Type.......................................... Propagation..................................... Sow-Plant........................................ Space Apart..................................... Flowering Season............................ Flower Color....................................

Temperate, Cool, Zones 4-9 Full sun 3-4' 1' Medicinal, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Repellent Perennial Moist, peaty soil Seed Fall, Spring 6" Spring, Summer Pink, White

COMMENTS:
The Swamp Milkweed is larger than the more commonly grown Butterfly Weed (A. tuberosa) and bears rosy pink to bright pink flowers instead of the more familiar orange flower clusters. A girlfriend maintains the blossoms smell like bubble gum. A herb growing in wet places, flowering in the United States in July and August. Swamp milkweed has a smooth, erect stem, with 2 downy lines above and on the branches and peduncles, branching above, about 3 or 4 feet high. The leaves are from 4 to 7 inches long, and from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches wide; the umbels are from 2 to 6, on a peduncle 2 inches long. Each milkweed blossom has five colored horns filled with nectar to attract bees. When a bee lights on a flower, its hind foot slips into a slit which contains pollen. The pollen sticks to the leg, and the bee carries it to other flowers. When these pods dry, they crack open and release fluffy clumps of silk with flat, brown seeds. Butterflies including the Monarch also favor the nectar found in the flowers. The oleander aphid likes swamp milkweed and butterfly weed. Pinch off the seed pods to encourage more blooming. Leaves and stems may be poisonous and are deer resistant. For a list of more Deer Resistant plants please go here.

Uses: The root is the part used medicinally and contains starch, pectin, grape-sugar, albumen, a fixed and a volatile oil, two resins of an acrid character. This native plant was used extensively by the Chippewa, Iroquois and Fox tribes as a urinary tonic and to dispel worms. It has been recommended in rheumatic, asthmatic, catarrhal, and syphilitic affections, and as a vermifuge. It acts upon the heart and circulatory system like foxglove, but without its gastro-intestinal disturbances. It is useful in chronic mucous disease of the stomach and in erysipelatous affections. Chronic mucous diseases of the stomach; catarrhal discharges; leucorrhoea; entozoic affections. Swamp Milkweed strengthens the heart in the same way as digitalis and is a quick and certain diuretic. It is given in dropsy as a diuretic in place of digitalis, also in coughs, colds, rheumatism from cold, threatened inflammation of the lungs. Also in diarrhea, gastric catarrh, certain skin eruptions of an erysipelatous nature and in asthma and dyspnoea. It may also be used with advantage in the early stages of dysentery.

Infusion Dosage: 1/2 OZ. dried root to a pint of boiling water.

For more plants and info on attracting butterflies click here.
Other pages of interest:Heart Health, Lungs.

Commercial Products available from other Merchants

Brass Herb Markers - Set of 15 Made exclusively from solid recycled brass and polished to an exquisite verdi finish, with bold brass accents, these most popularly grown herb markers are hand forged and crafted in the United States. 3 inches wide and 2 inches tall, they come equipped with 12 inch solid brass mounting stakes. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. These are extremely high quality pieces that will last forever. This set of 15 includes- Basil, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Chives, Marjoram, Sage, Dill, Mint, Savory, Garlic Chives, Oregano, Tarragon, Lavender, Parsley, and Thyme.

Herb Garden Sign Made exclusively from rust proof cast aluminum and polished with a genuine metal coating in copper verdi with gold lettering, these garden signs are hand forged and crafted in the United States. 14 inches wide and 8.75 inches tall, they come equipped with 12 inch solid brass mounting stakes and are 33 inches top to tip with stake. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. These are extremely high quality pieces that will last forever.

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