Q: Can you tell me something about the weed called funastrum twine vine?
A:Β The plant in question is considered a weed to some and an ornamental plant to others. As we like to say, a weed is a plant out of place or a plant whose economic potential has yet to be realized. Funastrum cynanchoides, otherwise known as fringed twinevine, climbing milkweed vine, and twine-vine is in the Asclepiadaceae or milkweed family. It is a smooth vine with umbels of pale white, star-like flowers and long twining stems often clambering over tops of bushes. It has milky sap, hence the name, and is a food plant for caterpillars and several species of butterflies including monarchs and queens. There are several similar species in the Southwest, all hairy or downy and with foliage that smells somewhat like hot rubber. Its native distribution is Southern California east through southern Utah to Oklahoma and Texas, and south to Mexico. Itβs native habitat is chaparral and brush country and open woodlands. It requires a moderate amount of water, part shade, and can survive in a variety of soil types.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to plwarren@cals.arizona.edu
