Asclepias incarnata

Asclepias incarnata is a milkweed native throughout the southeast, where it is found in wetland sites. It grows well in full sun, but can tolerate part shade, on wet to moist soils. It is fairly deer resistant. This plant can get up to five feet during the growing season, and has characteristic milky sap when a stem or leaf is broken. It dies back completely in the winter. Leaving dormant stems up until spring provides necessary over-wintering habitat for pollinators. Clusters of pink flowers bloom in the summer and attract pollinators. Pods full of white silky seeds mature in the fall. This is a host plant for a few native butterfly species, and most notably for monarchs. Asclepias incarnata is an excellent specimen plant in a yard, and also works in wetland mitigation and restoration projects.