Maroon Carolina Milkvine
Matelea carolinensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Maroon Carolina Milkvine (Matelea carolinensis) 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
60"–180" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, DE, GA, KY and 7 more states
Pollinators
beetles, flies
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Maroon carolina milkvine is a native climbing vine that produces distinctive dark red flowers from late spring through summer. This deciduous perennial grows 5 to 15 feet tall and spreads 2 to 4 feet wide, preferring partial shade and moderate moisture. It goes dormant in winter, returning each spring from its root system.
In an HOA neighborhood
Maroon Carolina 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.
- Vine growth habit appears uncontrolled to many HOAs
- Goes completely dormant in winter leaving bare stems
- Dark maroon flowers may look unusual or concerning to neighbors
Wildlife value
The flowers attract beetles and flies as primary pollinators. As a member of the milkweed family, it may also support monarch butterfly caterpillars and other native insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Maroon Carolina Milkvine need?
- Maroon Carolina Milkvine grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Maroon Carolina Milkvine bloom?
- Maroon Carolina Milkvine blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Maroon Carolina Milkvine native?
- Maroon Carolina Milkvine (Matelea carolinensis) is native to AL, DE, GA, KY and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Maroon Carolina Milkvine attract?
- Maroon Carolina Milkvine draws beetles and flies.
- Is Maroon Carolina Milkvine HOA-friendly?
- Maroon Carolina 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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Maroon Carolina Milkvine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.