Funastrum sp.
(c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Carnahan · licence
Family: Apocynaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Funastrum sp. is a native California perennial in the Apocynaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Funastrum sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Funastrum sp. belong to?
Funastrum sp. is in the Apocynaceae family, genus Funastrum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.