Approximately 25 seeds per packet
Collected: 2024
Packaged: 2025
Germination code: C30

Please refer to our germination codes and growing information for recommendations and tips.

Seed treatment recommended: this species requires a minimum of 30 days of cold moist stratification to break its natural dormancy and encourage germination. Alternatively, sow seeds in outdoor containers in the fall or winter, with germination occuring in the spring. If seed is untreated by February, we recommend artificially moist stratifying in a fridge.

Seeds of this species appreciate being covered by a thin layer of soil or buried when sown to aid in germination. A general rule of thumb is to cover them with a layer of soil no more than two to three times their width. However, it's better to plant seeds shallow, and most seeds will germinate even if surface sown. (Optional) Sprinkling a layer of sterile sand or vermiculite overtop the soil and sown seeds usually won't negatively impact germination, and may help to maintain soil moisture and deter mold.

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) Seed Packet

$5.00

Quantity

Virginia ecotype
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Upright, clumping
Size: 2-5 ft. high, half as wide
Flowering time: Jun, Jul, Aug
Bloom color: Red, pink, rose
Habitat: Wet meadows, prairies and fields; swamps and marshes
Moisture: Moist to wet, boggy or well draining
Light: Full sun, part sun
Soils: Clay, sand, loam, gravel
Uses: Pollinator gardens, rain gardens, lake/pond or riparian areas

Swamp milkweed is a perennial native to North America, found in wet meadows, marshes, and along ponds and streams. It features clusters of fragrant, pink to rose flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, attracting an assortment of insects such as butterflies, bees, and moths.

Swamp milkweed grows 3-5 feet tall and prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun, but will tolerate average soil so long as it doesn’t dry out completely. Its deep roots help stabilize soil and manage water runoff, making it an excellent choice for pond plantings, rain gardens and wet meadows.

The plant has a white, latex-like sap and a chemical makeup that is toxic to most herbivores. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are a food source for the endangered monarch (Danaus Plexippus) butterfly; milkweeds being the only host plant species for this well-beloved pollinator. The plant also hosts the Red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus), and Large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus), are native specialist insects which also depend on the plants and do little to no harm.

Non-aggressive clumping habit, can spread by seed if happy in its location. Young plants may need more water in higher sun, but can tolerate average soil once well-established.

Their dense root system is great for soil retention in riparian areas, but can be difficult to relocate once fully grown.

See species native range (via BONAP)
Seeds sold by WBN as packets are harvested and cleaned from plants grown in our Virginia nursery and wildflower garden. These plants are grown from seed sourced from wild populations. We document the county locality of ecotypes, with Virginia ecotypes often being sourced within 100 miles of Richmond, VA. Some plants that provide our seed stock are sourced from local growers of Virginia (and neighboring state) provenance native species.

Because our seed is harvested, cleaned, and carefully selected by hand, packets may contain trace amounts of chaff and inert plant material such as dried petals, small leaves or bits of stem, and fibers or fluff still attached. This material is harmless to seeds and won't impact germination. We guarantee each packet contains at least the number of seeds listed, usually more.
All sales of plants and seeds are final.

WBN will never knowingly sell plants or seeds that do not reach or exceed our high standards. We want to help you produce strong and healthy plants that will thrive in your garden and support native insects and wildlife. Some species do have lower germination rates or are difficult to propagate by seed, and we will make that known if that is our experience or the experience of others.

Generally it is recommended to sow seeds within 1-3 years of collection. Some seeds can remain viable for decades, especially with proper storage. In most cases, native seeds should be stored indoors in paper or glassine bags or paper envelopes in places with low to average humidity, in room temperature or colder, with limited sun exposure.

Because we collect and prepare seeds by hand, some packets may include chaff and other inert plant material like dried petals. This poses no risk to seed germination, viability or storage. We also carefully account for this additional material when preparing our seeds to ensure each packet includes at least the number of seeds indicated.

Got questions? Ask us! We are aways happy to provide advice on germinating, growing, or planting any species.
Seeds (regardless of quantity) are shipped in a padded biodegradable mailer to protect seeds during shipping. All packets come with a printed booklet of our seed germination codes and growing tips.

Once your order ships, we will provide a tracking number to the email provided at the time of order. Orders are shipped to the mailing address provided at checkout. Please ensure your mailing information is correct at time of order.

We will usually pack seed orders within 12 - 24 hours of receipt and ship within 1 - 3 business days. Items generally arrive within 5 days of shipment.

If you believe that any items are missing from your order, please email us ASAP. Any missing items will be sent free of charge.

Free local pickup of seed orders is possible. Please email us and we can arrange for pick-up.

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) Seed Packet

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