What is attracted to Swamp milkweed?

What is attracted to Swamp milkweed?

Swamp milkweed attracts a profusion of butterflies, especially the monarch butterfly. Besides nectaring the monarch butterfly only lays it eggs on milkweeds. It will thrive in average garden soil as long as it does not dry out completely, especially in the spring.

Where can I buy Swamp milkweed?

As its name suggests, Swamp milkweed is most often found growing in rich moist areas like marshes or near streams in its native setting. It is tolerant of wet clay soils and areas without good drainage. However, once established it will do quite well in average gardens.

Is Swamp milkweed invasive?

Swamp milkweed is not invasive as some other milkweeds are and is well behaved in the garden.

Does Swamp milkweed come back every year?

These native milkweed are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter.

Do hummingbirds drink from milkweed?

Blooming from late spring to early fall, nectar-rich Milkweed attracts many insects, which in turn attract insectivorous birds. Hummingbirds will occasionally extract nectar from the Milkweed plant itself but usually prefer more tubular or trumpet shaped flowers.

How poisonous is swamp milkweed?

Swamp milkweed is toxic when taken in large doses. Livestock: The bitter leaves of swamp milkweed do not appeal to livestock; sheep are especially susceptible to the poisonous compounds in swamp milkweed, and sheep fatalities have been reported after consuming the plant.

Is swamp milkweed poisonous to dogs?

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

Should I deadhead swamp milkweed?

Deadheading milkweed is not necessary but it will keep the plants looking tidy and may promote further blooms. If you do it right after the first flowering, you can expect a second crop of blooms. Cut the blooms off just above a flush of leaves when milkweed deadheading.

Does milkweed grow in sun or shade?

Makes a Splash in Most Any Garden Swamp milkweed grows to a height of 3′ to 4′ and will form small colonies where conditions suit. Though it prefers full sun it is one of the more shade tolerant milkweeds and can take partial sun.