Climbing Milkvine
Matelea obliqua
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Climbing Milkvine (Matelea obliqua) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–120" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, GA, IL, IN and 9 more states
Pollinators
beetles, bees, wasps
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Climbing Milkvine need?
- Climbing Milkvine grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Climbing Milkvine bloom?
- Climbing Milkvine blooms in June and July.
- Where is Climbing Milkvine native?
- Climbing Milkvine (Matelea obliqua) is native to AL, GA, IL, IN and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Climbing Milkvine attract?
- Climbing Milkvine draws beetles, bees, and wasps.
- Is Climbing Milkvine HOA-friendly?
- Climbing Milkvine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Climbing Milkvine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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