How much sun does Climbing Milkweed need?

Climbing Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Climbing Milkweed bloom?

Climbing Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Climbing Milkweed native?

Climbing Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 24 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Climbing Milkweed host?

Climbing Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.

Is Climbing Milkweed HOA-friendly?

Climbing Milkweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Climbing Milkweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cynanchum laeve

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–120" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 24 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains

Honeyvine milkweed is a twining perennial vine that can climb 3-10 feet tall on fences, trellises, or other plants. It produces small white flowers in summer followed by milkweed pods that split to release seeds with silky white hairs. The vine dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from deep roots in spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Climbing Milkweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Can spread aggressively and become weedy
May climb on unwanted surfaces
Considered invasive in some areas

Wildlife value

Host plant for monarch butterfly.

This plant is valuable for monarch butterflies as a host plant for their caterpillars and provides nectar for various pollinators including bees and beetles. The flowers attract a wide range of beneficial insects during the summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Climbing Milkweed need?: Climbing Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Climbing Milkweed bloom?: Climbing Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Climbing Milkweed native?: Climbing Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 24 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Climbing Milkweed host?: Climbing Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.
Is Climbing Milkweed HOA-friendly?: Climbing Milkweed 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 Milkweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz