Mead's Milkweed ⚠️ Threatened

Asclepias meadii

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Asclepias
Species:
Asclepias meadii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may, jun
Bloom Colors:
Yellow, Green

Native Range

United States: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers undisturbed prairie habitats

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 70 days

Establishment: A. meadii is found from southern Wisconsin and western Illinois to Kansas and Missouri

Source: npn.rngr.net