VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Asclepias incarnata | Swamp Milkweed 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Swamp milkweed foliage and stems have been reported to cause mortality
in sheep.  It is not known why sheep are so susceptible [7,12].
Muskrats are unaffected by swamp milkweed and readily eat the roots
[23].


PALATABILITY : 
Milkweeds in general are not palatable to wildlife.  The bitter milky
juice is high in alkaloids [17].  Most animals avoid it unless forced to
eat it on overgrazed pastures [17].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Swamp milkweed is currently used in Wisconsin for wetland rehabilitation
[11].  It is included in commercially available seed mixes.


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Swamp milkweed seeds have long hairs, called comas.  Seed comas have
been used as pillow and lifejacket stuffing [3,23].  Stem fibers have
been suggested as substitutes for flax and hemp [3].  Young shoots,
inflorescences, and leaves may be cooked with several changes of water
and eaten [23].  This plant causes dermititis.


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Asclepias incarnata | Swamp Milkweed