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Description
Asclepias Meadii, commonly known as Mead’s milkweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the genus Asclepias in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to the central United States and can be found in prairies, savannas, and other open habitats. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and produces beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom from June to August. Asclepias Meadii is an important plant for monarch butterflies as it serves as a host plant for their larvae.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Angiosperms | Eudicots | Gentianales | Apocynaceae | Asclepias |
Appearance
Asclepias Meadii has a unique appearance with its narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 8 inches long and 1 inch wide. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and are a bluish-green color. The plant produces clusters of 10-20 small, pink to purple flowers that are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are a favorite of many pollinators, including monarch butterflies. After the flowers are pollinated, they produce long, narrow seed pods that are about 4 inches long.
Care Guide
Asclepias Meadii is relatively easy to care for and is drought-tolerant once established. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:- Water: Water your plant regularly during the first growing season to help it establish deep roots. After that, it is tolerant of drought conditions.- Fertilization: Asclepias Meadii does not require fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.- Sunlight: Asclepias Meadii thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Meadii is relatively pest and disease-free. However, some common pests that may affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and milkweed bugs. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Diseases that may affect the plant include powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Asclepias Meadii is native to the central United States and can be found in prairies, savannas, and other open habitats. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is an important plant for monarch butterflies as it serves as a host plant for their larvae.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Asclepias Meadii be grown in containers?
A: Asclepias Meadii is not suitable for container gardening as it has deep roots and requires a lot of space to grow.
Q: How often should I water my Asclepias Meadii plant?
A: Water your plant regularly during the first growing season to help it establish deep roots. After that, it is tolerant of drought conditions and may not require regular watering.
Q: Is Asclepias Meadii poisonous?
A: Asclepias Meadii is not poisonous but can cause skin irritation if its sap comes into contact with the skin.
Q: Can I propagate Asclepias Meadii?
A: Yes, Asclepias Meadii can be propagated by seed or division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
– Asclepias tuberosa- Asclepias syriaca- Asclepias incarnata- Asclepias verticillata
References
– “Asclepias Meadii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c600- “Mead’s Milkweed.” Illinois Wildflowers. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/mead_milkweedx.htm- “Asclepias Meadii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASME2
