Rose Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

Size: 1 Gallon Availability

Flower
Max size: 3’ tall x 2’ wide

Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
Clay, Loam, Sand
Sun, Part Shade
No salt tolerance

Rose Milkweed is an earlier bloomer than the others and goes from spring to summer with it’s pink flowers. It’s winter dormant. It is a larval host to monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), queen butterflies (Danaus gilippus), and soldier butterflies (Danaus eresimus). It also attracts many other pollinators, especially native bees. No pruning is needed, but it can be cut back in spring before blooming to encourage a bushier growth habit. It looks best when grown in wet areas where it can be grown in clumps.

The dried stems create a strong fiber that can be used to weave cords, rope, and textiles. Its flower heads were added to fresh soup or cornmeal mush by Native American tribes such as the Meskwaki, Iroquois, and Dakota. They made infusions of the roots to use as a strengthening bath for children and adults. Cold infusions of the roots were applied to heal babies’ navels, help expel tapeworms, and in general use as a laxative.