Swamp milkweed flowers are far more appealing than the name suggests. While adept at living in wet areas, Swamp milkweed is happy in gardens where it plays a critical role in the life cycle of monarch butterflies. The female monarchs must lay their eggs on, or near, milkweed. Upon hatching, their short-legged caterpillar offspring must feed on milkweed leaves in order to survive. So, if milkweed is native to your area, plant it—you’ll support and attract beautiful and iconic butterflies in your yard.