P15-Asclepias #1 Asclepias inc AB Ice Ballet/ White Swamp Milkweed Native (TN)

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet'

COMMON NAME: 'Ice Ballet' Swamp Milkweed

GARDEN SIZE: 3-5 ft. tall x 1-3 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 3-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained soil and has low to average water requirements.

HABIT (FORM): Clumping, Creeping

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Green, Fragrant

FLOWERS: White clusters, fragrant (vanilla-scented). Blooms midsummer through early fall.

FRUIT: Green seed pods that open to release seeds with silky tails

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Sole host plant for the monarch butterfly. Feeds native bees, moths, and butterflies. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer. Never use pesticides.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Deadheading can encourage additional blooming. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Not considered edible for humans. The white latex sap can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched.

USES: Meadows, prairies, pollinator gardens.

NOTE: Dried milkweed fibers can be used to make sturdy twine!