Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii
Climbing milkweed
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Apocynaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii (Climbing milkweed) is a native California perennial in the Apocynaceae family, recognized by green color, narrow-lanceolate leaves, pink-purple flowers.
Climbing milkweed is a California native perennial found in southern California coastal, Peninsular Ranges, and desert bioregions in dry, sandy, rocky arroyos and plains at elevations of 30 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces distinctive pink to purple flowers with white lobes marked by central purple streaks. Growing with green stems generally covered in sparse, appressed hairs, it climbs and spreads with slender, flexible stems. Its leaves are narrow-lanceolate, 30 to 60 millimeters long, with a distinctive hastate or heart-shaped base that helps distinguish this milkweed from other varieties. The fruit is a single elongated pod reaching 7.2 to 11.2 centimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; key features are green color, narrow-lanceolate leaves, pink-purple flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, sandy, rocky arroyos or plains
Elevation: 30-1600 m
California counties: Riverside, Imperial, San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura
Outside California: to Utah, Arkansas, Texas, Mexico
Bloom period
Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii blooms Apr-Jul.
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 cynanchoides var. hartwegii native to California?
Yes. Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii bloom?
Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii grow?
Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii occurs in Riverside, Imperial, San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, at elevations of 30-1600 m.
What plant family does Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii belong to?
Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii is in the Apocynaceae family, genus Funastrum.
What habitat does Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii grow in?
Funastrum cynanchoides var. hartwegii grows in Dry, sandy, rocky arroyos or plains.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-01
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.