Swamp Milkweed

A monarch butterfly magnet and medicinal marvel, swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a native wetland wildflower that can be found in wet places in full sun. Flowering occurs in July and August and is a major attractant for butterflies (particularly monarchs!). This species is also popular among florists for dry flower arrangements.

This is one of eleven milkweed species recorded from Pennsylvania. The genus Asclepias, most of which have milky sap, is generally considered to be poisonous to many animals, including humans.

Swamp milkweed is reported to be used as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of ailments including coughs, colds, rheumatism from cold, and inflammation of the lungs. It is also used as a diuretic and anti-diarrheal, among other uses (source: Botanical.com).

Today's photo of swamp milkweed was taken by WPC's Watershed Planning Specialist Jessica Coil in the Shenango River watershed. The Shenango River watershed has historically contained some of the highest biodiversity in PA, and is in need of additional protection/conservation efforts due to a number of threats posed by land use changes in the watershed. WPC is currently developing a watershed conservation plan for the Shenango River watershed, visit our website to learn more about this project: www.paconserve.org.

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