Species Project ap environmental Science
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Mead’s Milkweed Asclepias meadii Threatened Species (Native to Wisconsin) Background Information: Mead’s Milkweed is a nonwoody, plant with a smooth stem and milky sap. It is a perennial plant that blooms from late May to mid-June and produces one or two cluster of flowers at the top of its stem. Seeds mature from July to October. Pods are green and gradually become darker as they mature, growing to be 1 1/2 to 4 inches long. Each stem produces flowers for 2 to 3 years and then becomes dormant or disappears. The sap of most milkweeds is toxic and prevents the plants from being eaten. Mead’s Milkweed is found in mesic to dry tall grass and upland prairies. Mead’s Milkweed can also be found in glades. This plant is dependent on pollination with the help of other species in order to reproduce. 
Identifying Characteristics: Each cluster of flowers has an average of 5 to 14 flowers. The flowers are yellow-green or greenish-cream and are sometimes are tipped with purple. Individual flowers have five tubular hood-shaped structures with a slender "horn" extending from each one. A single plant may have multiple stems, which can be mistaken for individual plants. Mature Mead's milkweed plants reach up to 20 inches high. They have 4-8 pairs of smooth blue-green leaves. Reasons for their Status: Prairies have very fertile soil. This attracts farmers and their large farms. Since Mead’s Milkweed inhabits prairies, a majority of the species was taken out by the clearing of prairies for agricultural crop fields. Overgrazing with the livestock from farms also caused much of the species to diminish. Another factor that led to habitat destruction is railroads. When America was building their railroad system to the West, it had to go through the prairies. Recreational use of prairies and a decline in insect populations that contribute to pollination have caused the status as well. There are only 150 populations left. 
Solutions/Successes/Possible Course of Action for Protection or Removal: There are many efforts in place to protect this species. Since much of its status is because of habitat loss, the landowners have been taught ways to identify the plant and protect it. Other conservation efforts are delaying haying until September, and doing rotational grazing. In some areas of the prairies, efforts are being used to help pollinate the plant. Range:
Mead’s Milkweed used to be found in the entire Midwest region: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Now it is only found in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.  
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