Purple Milkweed Vine
Matelea biflora
Last reviewed: June 2026
Matelea biflora is a native Texas vine that produces purple flowers from March through August. This drought-tolerant milkweed vine attracts butterflies and bees while thriving in full sun conditions.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Purple Milkweed Vine is a low-growing native perennial that spreads as ground cover or climbs nearby plants. It produces small purple flowers from spring through summer and goes dormant in winter. This drought-tolerant vine works well in naturalized areas and wildlife gardens.
Growing Purple Milkweed Vine
Grow Purple Milkweed Vine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 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
Purple 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.
- Insufficient data for HOA assessment
- Default conservative
Wildlife value
Serves as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and attracts various butterflies and bees to its nectar-rich flowers.
Common questions
- When does Matelea biflora bloom?
- Purple Milkweed Vine blooms from March through August, providing nectar for pollinators throughout the growing season.
- What pollinators visit Matelea biflora?
- This native vine attracts butterflies and bees, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in Texas.
- Where is Matelea biflora native?
- Purple Milkweed Vine is native to Texas, where it grows as a climbing vine in natural areas.
- How much water does Matelea biflora need?
- This drought-tolerant vine has low water requirements once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Is Purple Milkweed Vine HOA-friendly?
- Purple 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.
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 Purple Milkweed Vine fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.