Asclepias prostrata explained

Asclepias prostrata, commonly known as prostrate milkweed, is a species of perennial plant in the genus Asclepias.^[1] It has triangular to elliptical foliage with wavy margins, stems up to long, and grows low to the ground (hence the name, which refers to a prostrate growth habit) in sandy soils.^{[2] [3]} 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.^[4]

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.^[5] 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.^[6] It is most threatened by habitat loss due to human development and invasive species such as buffelgrass.^[7]

Notes and References

1. 21269-2 . Asclepias prostrata .
2. Book: Richardson . Alfred . Plants of Deep South Texas: A Field Guide to the Woody and Flowering Species . King . Ken . 2011-01-28 . Texas A&M University Press . 978-1-60344-144-5 . 76 . en.
3. Book: Poole . Jackie M. . Rare Plants of Texas: A Field Guide . Carr . William R. . Price . Dana M. . 2007 . Texas A&M University Press . 978-1-58544-557-8 . 99 . en.
4. News: 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 .
5. Book: Eason, Michael . Wildflowers of Texas . 2018-04-03 . Timber Press . 978-1-60469-862-6 . 83 . en.
6. Web site: 2022-02-22 . Service Proposes Endangered Status and Designation of Critical Habitat for Rare South Texas Milkweed U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service . 2022-09-01 . FWS.gov . en.
7. News: A rare plant found in Texas and Mexico could be listed as an endangered species . en-US . Washington Post . 2022-09-01 . 0190-8286.