Common Name:
Swamp Milkweed

Scientific Name:
Asclepias incarnata L.

Family:
Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)

Plant Description:
Swamp Milkweed is a perennial plant that reproduces by both seed and by underground rootstocks. It reaches a height of 1-4 feet. Leaves are opposite, long, and lanceolate in appearance. Flowers are red to purplish in color and are clustered at terminals during the months of July-September. Seed pods form on short stems. Seeds are oval with white hairs.

Remarks:
Swamp Milkweed is common along ditch edges, dikes, and other poorly drained areas. It is not a serious weed pest in cranberry beds. It is poisonous to some types of animals if eaten. A milky ooze comes from sections of the plant that are broken open.