Stands three to five feet tall and graces the summer garden with clusters of rosy pink flowers that smell faintly of vanilla. It’s upright form, narrow leaves, blooms, and ecological value make it a perfect addition to pollinator gardens and meadows alike.

Thriving in full sun and moist soil, Swamp Milkweed is more drought tolerant than its name suggests after establishing. After its first year, it requires little maintenance, though does benefit from the occasional drink during extended dry spells.

This well-mannered milkweed forms neat, tall clumps making it an excellent backdrop for shorter plants. It does not spread aggressively like Common Milkweed, but will reseed politely if happy.

Found in wetlands, along streambanks, and in moist meadows across much of North America, from Canada to the Southeastern U.S. It naturally thrives in areas with seasonal flooding, but is well adapted to garden conditions.

Fresh green shoots emerge later in spring and extend up to five feet tall by midsummer before giving to its rosey blooms. After blooms fade, seed pods form turning rust color in fall persisting through most of winter.

A vital hostplant for the Monarch Butterfly, swamp milkweed also attracts a parade of bees, wasps, and hummingbirds, while its deep roots help stabilize soil making it as beneficial as it is beautiful.