Climbing Milkvine
Matelea obliqua
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–120" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
OH
Pollinators
beetles, bees, wasps
Climbing milkvine is a native vine that grows 5-10 feet tall with heart-shaped leaves and small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in summer. This deciduous climber needs support structures like trellises or fences and goes completely dormant in winter, leaving bare stems.
In an HOA neighborhood
Climbing Milkvine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks completely bare and dead during winter dormancy
- Can appear wild and unstructured even when maintained
- May spread beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The flowers attract beetles, bees, and wasps during its June-July bloom period. As a member of the milkweed family, it may also support some butterfly species.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Climbing Milkvine fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.