Honeyvine Milkweed

Ampelamus albidus

Weed Description
A perennial with slender, twining stems that may reach 10 ft in length. Found throughout the southeastern United States. Although the name implies a secretion of milky sap as in other milkweed species (Asclepias spp.), this does not occur in the leaves or stems of honeyvine milkweed.

Leaves
Opposite, entire, heart-shaped, 3-7 inches long, 1.5-5 inches wide. Leaves do not have hairs and occur on petioles that are 1-4 inches long. Leaf surfaces have conspicuous white veins that arise from a common point (palmate venation).

Stems
Slender, without hairs, twining to 10 ft long.

Flowers
Small (2-3 mm broad), white, numerous, and occur on flower stalks that arise between stems and leaves (axillary).

Fruit
A smooth, angled follicle that is 3.5-5.5 inches long, 1-2.5 inches wide.

Roots
Clustered and fibrous.

Identifying Characteristics
A perennial twining vine with opposite leaves and relatively large fruit (follicle). This weed is often incorrectly identified as a morningglory (Ipomoea spp.) or Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). However, the prominent white veins distinguishes this weed from any of the morningglories, and the heart-shaped leaf distinguishes this weed from field bindweed.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Honeyvine Milkweed

Ampelamus albidus