{"product_id":"asclepias-incarnata","title":"Asclepias incarnata","description":"\u003cp\u003eSave the Monarch Butterflies!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsclepias incarnata aka Rose or Swamp Milkweed are perennial plants prized for their wonderfully fragrant, beautiful, long-blooming light pink to light purple flowers. These sun-loving, easy to grow plants can handle a range of conditions (especially in moist soils), and can even thrive in mucky clay soils. Critically, they are one of a handful of plants that Monarch Butterflies MUST have in order to feed their young. Their flowers also contain ample nectar that attracts many insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0px;\"\u003e🦋\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonarch Butterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e have a very special relationship with the Asclepias genus. Critically, plants in this genus are the ONLY plants they can lay their eggs on to feed their young. Sadly, monarch population numbers have been crashing and they are on the verge of being on the endangered species list. The great news is that gardeners can be a HUGE part of the solution by planting our \u003cstrong\u003eWNC native\u003c\/strong\u003e Asclepias incarnata! The more that can be planted, the better. Asclepias incarnata flowers also contain ample nectar that attracts many insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, these plants are found on the edges of moist or wet areas, such as streams and ponds, but also in dry meadows. Fall can bring a purple tint to the foliage, and the development of their interesting 2-4\" seedpods, which are filled with seeds attached to silky, fluffy white fibers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsclepias incarnata plants are ideal for\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebutterfly gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecottage gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003enative gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epollinator gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epond gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003erain gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ewildlife gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, and more. The blooms have a vanilla fragrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e❤️\u003cstrong\u003eRCN Staff Favorite\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e- we grow these plants in our own gardens and recommend them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🏆\u003cstrong\u003eAward winning\u003c\/strong\u003e! 2005 NC Wildflower of the Year, one of internationally known garden designer Piet Oudolf’s 100 “MUST HAVE” plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🦋\u003cstrong\u003eButterfly and Moth Host and Nectar plant\u003c\/strong\u003e. Rose Milkweed plants are the host plants for Monarch, Queen, Soldier, and Gray Hairstreak Butterflies here in NC, and for 20+ species of NC moths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🐝\u003cstrong\u003eHelpful to Bees\u003c\/strong\u003e. According to the Xerxes Society, these plants are of special assistance to our native bees. Additionally, Rose Milkweed plants help to attract beneficial insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🐦\u003cstrong\u003eBird Magnet\u003c\/strong\u003e! The Audubon Society says that these plants can help Cardinals, Chickadees, Jays, Finches, Hummingbirds, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Vireos, Waxwings, Warblers, Wrens, and more! Birds have been known to use the fluff from the interesting seed pods and fibers from the stems to build nests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🦌\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eusually aren't interested in these plants. They are also rabbit resistant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have a hard time keeping these lovely and important plants in stock!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoist to wet soils, although can handle drier conditions once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4-5'T x 2-3'W.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZone 3a-9b, cold hardy down to -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e💚\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Nerd\u003c\/strong\u003e: Asclepias incarnata plants have specialized roots to handle the low-oxygen environment found in heavy, wet soils. They do create deep taproots and are best left in place once planted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fluffy white fibers in the seedpods have been used for a variety of purposes, from filling pillows and lifevests to experimental biodegradable surgical gowns. The Chippewa reportedly used these plants to make twine. Many tribes also used these plants for medicinal purposes, although these plants are no longer recommended for such uses. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientists in 2003 counted 70 different species of insects utilizing Asclepias incarnata! Wow!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Reems Creek Nursery","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":48994155757819,"sku":"29093","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/4868\/4539\/files\/iStock-1333113034_monarch_butterfly_asclepias_incarnata_copysm.jpg?v=1781896462","url":"https:\/\/reems-creek-nursery.myshopify.com\/products\/asclepias-incarnata","provider":"Reems Creek Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}