Fringed Twinevine
Funastrum cynanchoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Funastrum cynanchoides (Fringed Twinevine) is a drought-tolerant native vine found across Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. This climbing plant blooms from March through August, attracting butterflies and bees.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
6"–12" H × 60"–72" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, NM, OK and 1 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Fringed Twinevine is a low-growing native vine that spreads widely as a groundcover, reaching only 6-12 inches tall but spreading 5-6 feet across. It produces small flowers from spring through summer and goes dormant in winter. This drought-tolerant plant works well for covering large areas with minimal water needs.
Growing Fringed Twinevine
Grow Fringed Twinevine in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 60 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fringed Twinevine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Spread too large for structured beds
Wildlife value
The long blooming period from March through August provides nectar for butterflies and bees throughout the growing season. As a member of the milkweed family, it may also support monarch butterfly larvae.
Common questions
- Where does Fringed Twinevine naturally grow?
- Funastrum cynanchoides is native to the south-central United States, including Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- When does Fringed Twinevine bloom?
- Fringed Twinevine produces flowers from March through August, providing nectar for pollinators throughout much of the growing season.
- What pollinators visit Fringed Twinevine?
- This native vine attracts both butterflies and bees, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens in its native range.
- How much water does Fringed Twinevine need?
- Funastrum cynanchoides is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal supplemental watering once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping.
- Is Fringed Twinevine HOA-friendly?
- Fringed Twinevine 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.
Does Fringed Twinevine fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.