How much sun does Oldfield Milkvine need?

Oldfield Milkvine grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Oldfield Milkvine bloom?

Oldfield Milkvine blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Oldfield Milkvine native?

Oldfield Milkvine (Matelea decipiens) is native to AR, KS, LA, MD and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Oldfield Milkvine attract?

Oldfield Milkvine draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Oldfield Milkvine HOA-friendly?

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

Oldfield Milkvine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Matelea decipiens

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Oldfield Milkvine (Matelea decipiens) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–120" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, KS, LA, MD and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

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 452 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

Cross Timbers East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Southeastern Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains

Oldfield milkvine is a native climbing vine that produces small, greenish-purple flowers during summer months. This deciduous perennial can reach up to 10 feet in height when provided with support structures and thrives in partial sun with moderate watering.

In an HOA neighborhood

Oldfield 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.

Vines often perceived as uncontrolled or messy
Can look sparse or scraggly when dormant
Requires support structures that may not align with formal landscaping

Wildlife value

This milkvine attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its summer blooms. As a member of the milkweed family, it provides important habitat for native pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Oldfield Milkvine need?: Oldfield Milkvine grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Oldfield Milkvine bloom?: Oldfield Milkvine blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Oldfield Milkvine native?: Oldfield Milkvine (Matelea decipiens) is native to AR, KS, LA, MD and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Oldfield Milkvine attract?: Oldfield Milkvine draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Oldfield Milkvine HOA-friendly?: Oldfield 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.

See all plant problem guides

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