Climbing Milkweed is a native Missouri vine that transforms open spaces with clusters of deep brownish-purple, star-shaped flowers from May through June. This herbaceous climber grows 6 to 10 feet tall and spreads 3 to 6 feet wide, thriving in full sun to partial shade across USDA zones 6-8. Hardy and low-maintenance, it's a standout choice for gardeners seeking a native plant that attracts butterflies and requires only average, well-drained soil and moderate water once established.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-8
120in H x 72in W
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High
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Every part of this vine is covered in fine hairs, giving it a distinctly soft, tactile quality that sets it apart visually. The flowers emerge in late spring as small, perfectly formed five-petaled stars in an unusual deep brownish-purple shade, appearing in clusters along the leaf axils in a way that draws butterflies reliably to the garden. Heart-shaped leaves reach up to 5 inches long and create a medium green backdrop for the blooms, while elongated seed pods stretch to 4 inches, extending interest well beyond the flowering season.
Climbing Milkweed serves as a butterfly host plant and nectar source, making it essential for pollinator gardens and native plant landscapes. Its climbing habit allows it to cover trellises, arbors, and fences, while its ornamental seed pods add late-season visual interest.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune as needed to shape the vine and direct its growth along your chosen support structure. Remove any dead or damaged growth in early spring before new growth emerges.
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“Matelea decipiens is native to the Ozark region of Missouri, where it grows wild in open woods, glades, thickets, and along stream banks. This plant represents the gardening legacy of Missouri's natural flora, valued by native plant enthusiasts and regional growers who recognize its ecological importance and ornamental appeal.”