Funastrum Cynanchoides

Description

Funastrum Cynanchoides, commonly known as Climbing Milkweed or Honeyvine Milkweed, is a deciduous vine that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including roadsides, fields, and prairies. The vine can grow up to 20 feet in length and has long, slender stems that twine around other plants for support. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate, with a length of 2-4 inches. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, and bloom in clusters from June to September. The fruit of the plant is a long, slender pod that contains seeds with a silky coma.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Climbing Milkweed has long, slender stems that can grow up to 20 feet in length. The stems are green and glabrous, with a diameter of about 1/8 inch. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate, with a length of 2-4 inches and a width of 1-2 inches. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is lighter. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, with a diameter of about 1/4 inch. They bloom in clusters from June to September and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit of the plant is a long, slender pod that measures up to 6 inches in length and contains numerous seeds with a silky coma.

Care Guide

Funastrum Cynanchoides is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some care tips:

• Water: The plant prefers evenly moist soil, but it can tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Funastrum Cynanchoides is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by some common problems:

• Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and deform. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
• Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can infest the plant and cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. Improve air circulation around the plant and use fungicides to control powdery mildew.

Habitat

Funastrum Cynanchoides is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including roadsides, fields, and prairies. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Question and Answer

• Q: Is Funastrum Cynanchoides poisonous?
• A: Yes, the plant is poisonous if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart palpitations.
• Q: Can Funastrum Cynanchoides be grown indoors?
• A: No, the plant is not suitable for indoor growing as it requires full sun and plenty of space to grow.
• Q: Can Funastrum Cynanchoides be propagated from cuttings?
• A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-drained soil.
• Q: How often should Funastrum Cynanchoides be pruned?
• A: Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape.

Related Plants

• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed)
• Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed)
• Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
• Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed)

References

• Bonap.org. (2021). Funastrum cynanchoides – Species Details. [online] Available at: https://bonap.org/MapGallery/County/Funastrum%20cynanchoides.png [Accessed 29 Dec. 2021].
• USDA. (2021). PLANTS Profile for Funastrum cynanchoides (climbing milkweed). [online] Available at: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=FUCY [Accessed 29 Dec. 2021].
• Hilty, J. (2021). Climbing Milkweed (Funastrum cynanchoides). [online] Illinois Wildflowers. Available at: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cl_milkweedx.htm [Accessed 29 Dec. 2021].