Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)Swamp milkweed is a tall, graceful perennial that blooms in early to mid-summer, typically from June through August, with rounded clusters of soft pink, lightly fragrant flowers. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves line sturdy, upright stems, giving the plant an airy appearance that works well in naturalized plantings. Native to the Northeastern United States, including northern New Jersey, swamp milkweed naturally grows in wet meadows, floodplains, ditches, and along stream and pond edges. This species is a critical host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and a rich nectar source for adult monarchs, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its deep root system helps absorb excess water, reduce runoff, and improve soil stability, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens and water-quality-focused landscapes.