Pearl Milkweed Vine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Matelea reticulata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Pearl Milkweed Vine is a slender twining vine with star shaped maroon and green flowers that bloom from March through August. It thrives in part sun with low water once established, often climbing over fences and shrubs in Texas landscapes.

Toxicity unknown

Pearl Milkweed Vine (Matelea reticulata) 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

low

Size

72"–144" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Pearl Milkweed Vine is a native Texas climbing vine that produces small, intricate flowers from spring through late summer. This drought-tolerant perennial dies back in winter and regrows each spring, reaching 6-12 feet in height when given support.

Growing Pearl Milkweed Vine

Grow Pearl Milkweed Vine in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 144 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pearl Milkweed Vine 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.

Requires support structure
Can appear messy

Wildlife value

This vine is particularly valuable for monarch butterflies and other native butterflies as both a nectar source and host plant. The long blooming period provides consistent pollinator support throughout the growing season.

Common questions

When does Pearl Milkweed Vine bloom?: Pearl Milkweed Vine typically flowers from March through August, producing small star shaped blooms with a distinctive maroon color and pale netted pattern.
How much water does Pearl Milkweed Vine need?: This vine prefers low water once established and does well in dry, well drained soil, though it can tolerate occasional moderate moisture.
What kind of light does Pearl Milkweed Vine need?: It grows best in part sun and can also tolerate brighter full sun spots or slightly shadier part shade positions, especially when climbing through shrubs or on fences.
Does Pearl Milkweed Vine attract butterflies?: Yes, its flowers are known to draw butterflies, which visit the blooms during the spring and summer flowering period.
What growth habit does Pearl Milkweed Vine have?: It is a twining, deciduous vine that climbs over fences, shrubs, and other supports rather than growing as a freestanding plant.
Is Pearl Milkweed Vine HOA-friendly?: Pearl Milkweed Vine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common questions

When does Pearl Milkweed Vine bloom?

Pearl Milkweed Vine typically flowers from March through August, producing small star shaped blooms with a distinctive maroon color and pale netted pattern.

How much water does Pearl Milkweed Vine need?

This vine prefers low water once established and does well in dry, well drained soil, though it can tolerate occasional moderate moisture.

What kind of light does Pearl Milkweed Vine need?

It grows best in part sun and can also tolerate brighter full sun spots or slightly shadier part shade positions, especially when climbing through shrubs or on fences.

Does Pearl Milkweed Vine attract butterflies?

Yes, its flowers are known to draw butterflies, which visit the blooms during the spring and summer flowering period.

What growth habit does Pearl Milkweed Vine have?

It is a twining, deciduous vine that climbs over fences, shrubs, and other supports rather than growing as a freestanding plant.

Is Pearl Milkweed Vine HOA-friendly?

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

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Common plant problems, and what to check first

See all plant problem guides