Swamp Milkweed

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is blooming in Kalamazoo.  Its eye-catching clusters of flowers are more vivid than the blossoms of Common Milkweed.  Like other milkweeds, it is an attractive source of nectar for butterflies.  The leaves are eaten by butterfly caterpillars, including Monarchs.  As its name suggests, this tall milkweed grows in wet soils.