Climbing Milkweed
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
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.
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 Milkweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.