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Native Plant Society of Texas

Purple Milkweed Vine

Matelea biflora

Other common name(s):

Star Milkvine

Family:

Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Texas Blackland Prairies
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Vine

Height

to
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Calcareous, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple, Brown

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Bees

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Trails along the ground (rarely climbing), easy to miss when walking through grasslands. Common throughout Central Texas in pastures, prairies, and open ground; usually in chalky soil. Uncommon in nurseries, but seeds are available. WARNING: toxic to humans. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-June. This is a short trailing vine. Flowers are paired, five-petaled, star-shaped, and deep purplish-brown. Heart-shaped leaves are oppositely paired. Entire plant is hairy. Seed pods are oval with soft spines, typical of milkweeds. Larval host: Monarch and Queen butterflies. Pollinated by flies.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Gonolobus biflorus

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Germinating Matelea biflora seeds can be a rewarding process. Start by scarifying the seeds to break their hard seed coat, which mimics natural seed dispersal conditions. You can do this by gently rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or carefully nicking them with a knife. Next, soak the scarified seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours to soften them. After soaking, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Maintain a consistent temperature of around 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C) and provide indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, using a spray bottle to mist the surface as needed. Germination may take several weeks to a few months, so be patient. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or your desired garden location. Matelea biflora seeds require some care and patience, but with the right conditions, you can successfully grow this beautiful native plant. https://plantflowerseeds.com/products/matelea-biflora#:~:text=Germinating%20Matelea%20biflora%20seeds%20can,grow%20this%20beautiful%20native%20plant.
Seed Stratification Stratify the seeds for 30 days in a cool, moist environment. This mimics natural conditions and helps improve germination rates. After stratification, sow the seeds in well-draining soil, covering them lightly to protect them from excessive moisture. Start by collecting seeds from mature pods, ensuring they are fully developed. https://greg.app/matelea-biflora-overview/#:~:text=Start%20by%20collecting%20seeds%20from,depending%20on%20the%20growing%20conditions.
Stem Cutting Cut the stems to a length of 4-6 inches. Then, place them in a rooting medium and maintain humidity until roots develop, which can take a few weeks. This method allows you to create new plants from existing ones, ensuring a vibrant garden. Begin by selecting healthy stems that have at least two nodes, as these will provide the best chance for root development. https://greg.app/matelea-biflora-overview/#:~:text=Start%20by%20collecting%20seeds%20from,depending%20on%20the%20growing%20conditions.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason