Seed Needs Milkweed Seeds for Planting White Asclepias incarnata - Heirloom & Open Pollinated Wildflower Seed to Plant Perennial Flowers in a Butterfly Garden (20 Packs)

White Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is an elegant, lesser-known variant of the classic swamp milkweed, a native North American perennial wildflower prized for its pristine, snow-white to creamy blooms that stand out beautifully against lush green foliage in moist to wet garden settings. This clump-forming herbaceous plant grows 3 to 5 feet tall with sturdy, branching stems lined by narrow, lance-shaped, opposite leaves that remain attractive throughout the season. From midsummer into early fall (typically June through September), it produces dense, rounded umbels of fragrant, star-shaped flowers with delicate curved horns, offering abundant nectar to a host of pollinators including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and especially monarch butterflies, for which it serves as an excellent larval host plant. Unlike more spreading milkweeds, this selection forms neat, non-invasive clumps from fibrous roots and produces the characteristic milky sap when stems or leaves are damaged. In autumn, slender seed pods develop and eventually split to release flat seeds with silky parachutes dispersed by the wind. Thriving in full sun to partial shade and preferring consistently moist to wet soils—such as those found near ponds, streams, rain gardens, marshes, or boggy areas—while tolerating average garden moisture once established, white swamp milkweed adds a sophisticated, luminous touch to pollinator gardens, wetland restorations, ecological landscapes, and naturalistic plantings, supporting monarch conservation and biodiversity with its long-lasting, pure white floral display.

• Habitat and Appearance: White Swamp Milkweed thrives in wetlands, along streams, and in moist meadows. It features umbels of small, fragrant, white flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, particularly Monarch butterflies.
• Ecological Importance: This plant is a crucial host for the monarch butterfly, providing not only nectar for adults but also serving as a larval host plant. Its presence in wetlands helps in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Botanical Characteristics: Asclepias incarnata can grow up to 4 feet tall with opposite, lance-shaped leaves. Its milky sap contains cardiac glycosides, which make it toxic to many herbivores but also protect monarch caterpillars from predators.
• Conservation Status: While not globally threatened, habitat destruction and wetland drainage can impact local populations. Planting White Swamp Milkweed can support conservation efforts for both the plant and its associated wildlife.
• Quality: All seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
• Quantity: Seed Needs offers generous quantities. You can share with friends and family, or you can save the extra seeds until the following season, if properly stored.
• Packets: Each seed packet displays an artful illustration of the variety to be grown, as well as detailed seed sowing information on the reverse side. They measure 3.5" wide by 5" tall.
• Promise: Seed Needs will never knowingly supply GMO based seed products. The vast majority of our seeds are open pollinated & heirloom, with the exception of a few hybrids.
• Germination: Seed Needs packets contain some of the freshest seed available. Direct from the growers. If sown correctly, you will begin seeing results in only a matter of days.
• Freshness: All Seeds Are Packaged In Tear Resistant And Moisture Resistant Packaging. This Keeps The Seeds A Whole Lot Fresher Than The Competitions Selection!