RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Direct Seeding Asclepias humistrata (Sandhill Milkweed) in Coastal Dunes JF Ecological Restoration FD University of Wisconsin Press SP 116 OP 125 DO 10.3368/er.43.2.116 VO 43 IS 2 A1 Campbell-Martínez, Gabriel A1 Thetford, Mack A1 Miller, Debbie YR 2025 UL http://er.uwpress.org/content/43/2/116.abstract AB Asclepias (milkweed) habitat loss threatens Danaus plexippus (monarch butterfly) survival. Restoration plantings of milkweeds are needed to support monarch butterfly conservation. We investigated the effects of microsite (open gaps, edges of canopy, and under canopy), seed cover (2 cm sand or scrub oak leaves), and protection (no protection, PVC pipe, wire mesh, or PVC pipe and wire mesh) on the recruitment of Asclepias humistrata (sandhill milkweed). Seeds were sown in back dunes of the northern Gulf of Mexico coast in June and observed for 52 weeks. Mixed model analyses indicate recruitment was influenced by an interaction of microsite and seed cover and the response differed over time. Recruitment was greater in open areas than under canopy 52 weeks after seeding (WAS). Recruitment remained low in open areas and scrub edges until spring (38 WAS). Initial recruitment under canopy in the summer decreased by fall and at 52 WAS was only 2.75%. Recruitment was highest 52 WAS in open areas followed by canopy edges when seeds were covered with sand. Protection interacted with seed cover independent of microsites. PVC pipe alone was the only protection treatment with significantly higher emergence than no protection (only sand cover). There were no significant differences in emergence among the protection treatments when seeds were covered by litter. The growth of seedlings did not differ. The seedlings were small (<2 cm tall and <3 nodes per plant) 52 WAS. We recommend direct seeding Asclepias humistrata in open gaps and lightly covering seeds (2 cm) with sand.