Asclepias prostrata, commonly known as prostrate milkweed, is a species of perennial plant in the genus Asclepias.[2] It has triangular to elliptical foliage with wavy margins, stems up to 16 inches (410 mm) long, and grows low to the ground (hence the name, which refers to a prostrate growth habit) in sandy soils.[3][4] Flowering may be dependent on rainfall to bring the plant out of dormancy, but is most typical from April to October. Like other milkweeds, A. prostrata flowers are a food source for pollinator insects such as bees, wasps, and the Monarch butterfly.[5]

Asclepias prostrata

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Asclepias
Species:
A. prostrata
Binomial name
Asclepias prostrata
W.H.Blackw.

Native to Starr, Hidalgo, and Zapata counties of South Texas and the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, it is one of the rarest species of milkweed.[6] In 2022, the US Fish & Wildlife Service proposed adding prostrate milkweed to the endangered species list and defining just under 700 acres of critical habitats that should be protected in order to preserve it.[7] It is most threatened by habitat loss due to human development and invasive species such as buffelgrass.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Blackwell, W.H., Jr. 1964. Synopsis of the 23 species of Asclepias (Asclepiadaceae) in Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon including 2 new species, Ascelpias bifida and Asclepias prostrata. Southwest Naturalist 9(3): 171-180.
  2. ^ "Asclepias prostrata". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  3. ^ Richardson, Alfred; King, Ken (2011-01-28). Plants of Deep South Texas: A Field Guide to the Woody and Flowering Species. Texas A&M University Press. p. 76. ISBN 978-1-60344-144-5.
  4. ^ Poole, Jackie M.; Carr, William R.; Price, Dana M. (2007). Rare Plants of Texas: A Field Guide. Texas A&M University Press. p. 99. ISBN 978-1-58544-557-8.
  5. ^ Cohen, Li (February 15, 2022). "Humans are driving a rare Texas plant that serves as an important food source for bees and butterflies "to the edge of extinction"". CBS.
  6. ^ Eason, Michael (2018-04-03). Wildflowers of Texas. Timber Press. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-60469-862-6.
  7. ^ "Service Proposes Endangered Status and Designation of Critical Habitat for Rare South Texas Milkweed | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service". FWS.gov. 2022-02-22. Retrieved 2022-09-01.
  8. ^ "A rare plant found in Texas and Mexico could be listed as an endangered species". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-09-01.