Milkweed, Swamp

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is an upright , 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in) tall plant, growing from thick, fleshy, white roots. It has large blossoms composed of small [1], rose-pink to mauve flowers with greenish-white centers. The flowers are arranged in dense rounded clusters at the terminal shoot [3], and each flower consists of 5 purplish-pink petals , 5 hoods, and 5 stamens surrounding the pistil. The leaves are lanceolate to ovate, and are 4-7 1/2 in (10-19 cm) long and 2-4 1/3 in (5-11 cm) wide . It is commonly found in moist fields and open, marshy areas. Swamp milkweed is the primary food source for monarch butterfly larvae, and is also important for many other species of pollinators.