Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed, on the inflorescence a monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

The Swamp Milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ) is a flowering plant in the family of the dogbane family ( Apocynaceae ). She is from North America.

Description

The Swamp milkweed is an erect, perennial, herbaceous plant that reaches the plant height of 30 to 150 cm. The whole plant leads a white milky sap. The opposite leaves are constant about 10 cm long, narrowly lanceolate and taper to a point.

The Swamp Milkweed flowers from June to September and brings small, fragrant, pink to purple (sometimes white ) flowers produced in round, doldigen inflorescences. The hermaphrodite flowers are radial symmetry and fünfzählig. The five greenish sepals facing down. Five curved petals are 3 to 4 mm long. The five stamens each have a bag- shaped appendage, these form the corona. For each segment of the corona extends a croissant, they are longer than the corona. There are two upper permanent carpels present.

The upright follicles have a smooth surface. The light to dark brown flat seeds have silver-white hair flying around can be carried by the wind so.

Ecology

The Swamp milkweed grows on moist or wet soils and is grown for its attractive flowers, which are visited by butterflies and other pollinators because of the abundant nectar as an ornamental plant in the garden. Like most other milkweed species ( Asclepias ) contains their juice toxic ingredients that keep Schadinseken and herbivores.

Occurrence

The Swamp Milkweed is widely distributed in North America east of the Rocky Mountains before. It prefers moist Held-to swampy soils in full sun to partial shade and is found in nature typically present at the edge of ponds, lakes, streams and valleys and ditches. They have adapted to heavy, wet soils that are low in oxygen.

Use

The Swamp Milkweed is used with many cultivated varieties as an ornamental plant. They are especially planted in gardens to attract butterflies. The nectar attracts many species of butterflies and insects. They are used primarily because of their long lasting flowers, but sometimes also sold because of their unusual follicles, as fresh cut flowers.