Asclepias incarnata Rose - seeds

Asclepias incarnata 'Rose' is a robust perennial with an upright habit that produces small star-shaped flowers grouped in rounded false umbels in early summer. They are deep pink in colour, emit a slight vanilla fragrance, and are highly attractive to pollinating insects. They are followed by the formation of erect fruits with a unique appearance. This tall, hardy plant thrives in moist to wet soil rich in humus, in full sun.

Asclepias incarnata, or Swamp Milkweed, formerly classified in the Asclepiadaceae family, is now grouped in the Apocynaceae family. It is found in eastern Canada and most states of the United States, associated with wet, open, or slightly shaded environments. It is mainly found in marshes, ditches, riverbanks, and lakeshores. Asclepias incarnata 'Rose' forms a dense clump of thick and sturdy stems, reaching a height of 1.50 m and a width of 80 cm at maturity. The leaves are medium green, elliptical to ovate, measuring 7 to 15 cm in length. From July to September, 5 cm wide cymes in the form of umbels appear, consisting of intensely purplish-pink flowers. They are nectar-rich and pollinated by certain butterflies and bees. After pollination, fruits form in pairs, reaching a length of 12 cm, carried on an inclined peduncle. At maturity, these fruits split open to reveal numerous winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

With its nectar-rich flowers, the Swamp Milkweed attracts numerous insects. It is notably the host plant of the Monarch Butterfly across the Atlantic.