I found this beauty growing in the scrub brush and poison ivy close to my house. We have a very shady yard; large hickory trees, birch, and a few oaks and pines. This is the second year it has returned. I have told it could possibly be a milk vine? Hope you can help.
Thank you for your time, have a blessed day
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
your plant is Matelea decipiens, often called milkvine or spinypod; you are correct. It is a viny milkweed, related to that plant. You can find out more about it here: http://www.carolinanature.com/plants/mateleadecipiens.html
Sincerely,
Steve Hill, Botanist, SCNPS