Scientific Family
Asclepiadaceae
Synonyms
Sarcostemma cynanchoides
Other common names
climbing milkweed
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
Vining stems up to 6 feet
Riparian
Yes
A trailing or twining vine growing up to 10 feet long on trees and shrubs. When damaged, can emit a milky sap which gives this
species its common name. Has a woody root.
Perennial herbaceous vine; flowers with a crown between the corolla and stamens; stems glabrate or sparsely pubescent at the nodes
distinguishes this from other milkweeds.
Habitat
Desert washes and slopes, canyons, floodplains, disturbed sites. Climbs over bushes along streams and washes.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
1500
High elevation
4500
Flower Characteristics
Has a star-like shape with 5 petals and 5 sepals to 1/2 inch wide. Flowers are fringed with white hairs. Clusters are to 4 inches wide.
Flower color
White, purplish-white or greenish-white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Grows to 2-1/2 inches long. Leaves can be variable in width and shape from narrow to heart-shaped.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Triangular
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
The fruit is a linear tear-drop shaped follicle up to 4-1/4 inches long that splits open at a seam and releases seeds on silky white, hair-like parachutes.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Green brown and white
Seeds are brown.