A report on the clonal behavior of Asclepias syriaca.

Abstract

Asclepias syriaca, common milkweed, is a plant native to North America. This species is found throughout the state of Michigan in disturbed and open areas, especially on roadsides. A useful plant, the silky-haired seed of the milkweed was used during war time as a filler for life preservers. Its milky juice also provides nourishment and protection to Monarch butterflies, a beautiful North American species of butterfly. In this report, I will explain my findings from investigating the undergound structures of Asclepias syriaca. I examined any patterns I found, and made a table and map to further explain what was happening with the colony.