Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Meet the Natives: Rose & Swamp Milkweed
Rose milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and swamp milkweed (Asclepias perennis) are two of Florida’s native milkweed species that are available for purchase at SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center. Learn more about these important pollinator plants below!
Rose Milkweed
- Grows 4 to 6 feet tall
- Produces pink flowers
- Typically blooms in late spring to summer
- May go dormant in the winter but will re-sprout in spring
Swamp Milkweed
- Grows 1 to 3 feet tall
- Produces light pink to white flowers
- Blooms in spring and will hold onto its blooms until fall
Both Species
- Prefer wet and sunny areas, though they can tolerate occasional drought once established
- Naturally occupy floodplain swamps, marshes, and wet flatwoods
- Larval host plants for monarch (Danaus plexippus), queen (Danaus gilippus), and soldier (Danaus eresimus) butterflies
- Important pollinator plants that attract a wide variety of native insect species, including leafcutter bees (family Megachilidae) and sweat bees (family Halictidae).
“These species make an excellent addition to wetland or mixed wildflower gardens, as long as the soil doesn’t get too dry,” said SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sophie Carpenter. “Because milkweed is a host plant for multiple species, it is likely you will notice your plants getting defoliated. But not to worry, milkweed has adapted to getting consumed by multiple species and will re-sprout relatively quickly.”
Milkweeds are named for the toxic latex sap they produce, which is poisonous to many animal species. However, monarch, queen, and soldier butterflies and caterpillars have all adapted to not only consume the latex but also use it as a defense strategy against predators.
“It is also very important to responsibly source your milkweed by making sure it is native and has not been treated with pesticides that can harm caterpillars feeding on the plants,” Carpenter said.
There many more milkweed species that grow native in Florida and can occupy a range of habitats. Check out the Florida Wildflower Foundation and Florida Native Plant Society to learn more.