Funastrum crispum
Wavyleaf twinevine
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Family: Apocynaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Funastrum crispum (Wavyleaf twinevine) is a native California vine in the Apocynaceae family, recognized by wavy leaf margins, larger flowers, gray-green color.
Wavyleaf twinevine is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the Pinyon Flat and Santa Rosa Mountains in open, dry, stony ground at elevations of 1,200 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces green-purple flowers with spreading to erect lobes, approximately 8 to 12 millimeters long. Growing with gray-green stems that are generally white-puberulent, it forms a distinctive climbing vine. Its leaves are uniquely wavy-margined, narrow to wide-lanceolate, 20 to 90 millimeters long, with bases that can be hastate, cordate, or truncate. The plant produces elongated fruits up to 12.5 centimeters long, typically solitary and hanging from the vine.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key features are wavy leaf margins, larger flowers, gray-green color
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Open, dry, stony or rocky ground
Elevation: +- 1200[2200] m.
California counties: Riverside
Outside California: to southern Colorado, Texas, central Mexico
Bloom period
Funastrum crispum blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Asclepias: Funastrum has hollow tube-like appendages and small flowers; Asclepias has solid hoods forming a crown and showier flowers.; vs Cuscuta: Funastrum has green leaves and milky sap; Cuscuta is leafless orange thread with no chlorophyll.; vs Stephanomeria: Funastrum has small star-shaped milkweed flowers; Stephanomeria has dandelion-like composite flowers with strap-shaped petals.; vs Calystegia: Funastrum has small star flowers with complex centers; Calystegia has large trumpet-shaped morning-glory flowers.; vs Matelea: Both are trailing milkweed vines; check flower details or use range (Matelea extremely rare in California).
Frequently asked questions
Is Funastrum crispum native to California?
Yes. Funastrum crispum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Funastrum crispum bloom?
Funastrum crispum blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Funastrum crispum grow?
Funastrum crispum occurs in Riverside, at elevations of +- 1200[2200] m..
What plant family does Funastrum crispum belong to?
Funastrum crispum is in the Apocynaceae family, genus Funastrum.
Is Funastrum crispum rare or endangered?
Funastrum crispum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.