Sarcostemma cynanchoides
Family: Asclepidaceae
Plant Description: Perennial twining vine with sems to 5 m or more. Leaves mostly 3-7 cm long, triangular-ovate with cordate base, opposite. Flowers in umbels, the corolla lobes 4-6 mm long, white to light violet or lavender. Petals basally grown together; lobes greenish to purple. Fruit separates into 2 dry pods up to 6 cm long, , opening along one side and releasing seeds with long white hairs. Bleed milky sap when injured.
Plant Trivia:
Field Identification: Vine with heart shaped leaves is major characteristics of this milkweed species.
Occurrence: Frequent on various soils in pastures and woods, mostly along bluffs or ravines and in stream lowlands.
Bloom Period: August-October
Plant Use: Important nectar source for insects and is a host plant for Queen, Monarch and Soldier butterflies.
stxflora 