What’s growing on my swamp weed? - Ask Extension
Sending 2 photos of 2 different swamp weed plants in one of my garden beds. One of them has been eaten to shreds and the other is now growing orange f...
Knowledgebase
What’s growing on my swamp weed? #799383
Asked July 04, 2022, 5:02 PM EDT
Sending 2 photos of 2 different swamp weed plants in one of my garden beds. One of them has been eaten to shreds and the other is now growing orange fungus looking things. What is it and what do I do? I’m worried about it! I’ve seen such few bees this year.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your milkweeds are infested by the oleander aphid, Aphis nerii. Aphids are attracted to plants with higher nitrogen content so do not fertilize this plant. Use water from a hose to blast the aphids off the stem. Spray aphid colonies with either horticultural soap or horticultural oil on a cloudy day.
