Honeyvine Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve): Native Vine for Pollinators

Overview

Honeyvine Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve), also called Sand Vine or Blue Vine Milkweed, is a vigorous, twining perennial vine native to eastern and central North America. Heart-shaped leaves clothe the stems, which climb by twining. In summer, clusters of small, fragrant white flowers provide abundant nectar for bees, wasps, and butterflies. It's a host plant for Monarch caterpillars. The slender, smooth seed pods split to release silky-tufted seeds. While valuable for wildlife, it can be aggressive in gardens; best suited for naturalized areas or managed borders.

Key Features

• Growth: Twining vine to 10–20 ft; dies back to ground in winter.
• Leaves: Opposite, heart-shaped, smooth, 2–4 in long.
• Flowers: Small, white, 5-petaled, in axillary clusters; sweetly fragrant.
• Pods: Slender, 3–5 in, smooth; split to release wind-dispersed seeds.
• Ecology: Monarch host; high nectar value.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to part shade.

Water

Average moisture. Tolerates wet to dry soils.

Soil

Adaptable; prefers rich, moist loam but tolerates clay.

Management

Deadhead to prevent seeding. Pull unwanted shoots. Provide sturdy support.

Taxonomy

Family:	Asclepiadaceae
Genus:	Cynanchum (sigh-NAN-chum)
Species:	laeve (LEE-vey)
Synonym:	Ampelamus albidus