Climbing Milkvine
Matelea obliqua
Last reviewed: July 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.
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 OH, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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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