Swamp milkweed
The large, showy flowerheads attract many pollinators.
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a tall, striking native milkweed. Also called rose or pink milkweed, it is one of 6 milkweed species at Sopchoppy Depot Park. This species prefers wet or moist soil in full sun but can grow in moderately dry soil. Milkweed leaves are essential food for monarch, queen, and soldier butterfly caterpillars. The large, showy flowerheads attract many pollinators, especially native bees. Don’t be concerned if aphids, ants, milkweed bugs, milkweed beetles, tussock moth caterpillars, lady bugs, and other insects show up, too. They’re all part of the milkweed ecosystem. A recent study found monarch caterpillar survival was higher on milkweeds with numerous nonpredatory insects. So, leave those other insects alone. Swamp milkweed is blooming now along the pond edges at Sopchoppy Depot Park.