Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp milkweed is a stately, clump forming perennial known for its smooth, lance shaped leaves and showy, fragrant, deep pink flowers. Reaching 3 to 5 feet, this moisture-loving species is a fundamental host for Monarch caterpillars and a primary nectar hub for hummingbirds and various swallowtails during the peak of summer. While it naturally thrives in wet meadows and alongside ponds, its deep root system allows it to adapt surprisingly well to average garden soil. It remains in a tidy upright mound without spreading by runners, making it a dependable, high-impact choice for gardens. It also has a darker stem and slightly taller and less bushy habit than the subsp. Pulchera.