Honeyvine - Cynanchum laeve (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Control)

Honeyvine

Also known as: Climbing milkweed, Smooth swallow-wort

The honeyvine is considered an invasive weed and reproduces quickly, with each plant capable of producing up to 50 pods. The root system is based on a central taproot that can reach up to 1.8 m deep. Flowers are white and shaped like a vase. This plant can be very tough to eradicate.

Scientific classification

Species

Honeyvine (Cynanchum laeve)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Winter

Harvest Time

2 m to 10 m

Plant Height

90 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Green, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Honeyvine

Distribution of Honeyvine

Distribution Map

Honeyvine is native to North America, Eastern and Southern Asia, and Australia. It favors wetland, arid areas, including plains and mountains. Honeyvine has spread to damp and cultivated fields, thickets, and riverbanks within its native region.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Disturbed habitats, thickets, low moist fields, riverbanks, fence rows, cultivated fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Honeyvine is a vigorous vine that is attractive to butterflies both because of its foliage and its nectar-rich flowers. Thus, many environmentally-conscious gardeners let it grow in pollinator, wildlife, and native gardens. Like many other vines, you can let it grow over various supporting structures, in an isolated spot, or as a part of a flowering border. On the other hand, honeyvine can grow aggressively and spread invasively, so it is often considered an undesirable weed.

Symbolism

Cure for Heartache

Name Story

Honeyvine: It is a twining perennial vine with foliage that exudes a cloudy sap once crushed or cut. It is very attractive to bees and butterflies most probably because of its sweet nectar and saps. Hence, it is called honeyvine.

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Toxicity

Honeyvine contains toxic cardenolide alkaloids. Contact with skin can cause irritation; sap in eyes may cause permanent damage. All parts of honeyvine are poisonous if ingested in large quantities, causing gastrointestinal upset in dogs and mild toxicity in cats. Use gloves when handling honeyvine and seek veterinary care for pets if ingested.

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Weed Control

Honeyvine is a twining vine considered a weed in much of the eastern half of the United States. It usually grows in cultivated fields, woods, and riverbanks. It is a rapid grower and is not well suited for a garden, though it does host Monarch butterfly larvae. It is an aggressive and invasive species, easily asserting itself where it takes root. Its twining habit can cause serious problems when harvesting crops, and it can smother other local plants with its invasive vines. Repeated hand removal can eventually eliminate it, but be careful not to let the seed pods open. Herbicides are the best control.

How to Control It

The best time to control honeyvine is late spring and early summer, before the plant starts setting seeds to avoid further spread. Here are a few organic or interesting ways to control this plant:

Hand pulling: This is a straightforward method. First, water the soil to soften it. Then, grip the plant near the base and gently yet firmly pull it out of the ground, trying to get as much of the root as possible.
Smothering: Layer mulch over the areas where honeyvine is growing. The mulch cuts off sunlight and suffocates the plant. Keep the layer of mulch between 3 to 6 inches thick and monitor progress for a few weeks.
Solarizing: This method uses the sun's energy to kill the weed. Water the area first, then cover it with a clear plastic sheet. Seal the edges of the plastic with soil or stones and leave it in place for four to six weeks during a hot period. The high temperature under the plastic will kill honeyvine and its seeds.
Vinegar solution: Mix a solution of 20% vinegar and 80% water. Spray this solution directly onto the honeyvine during a sunny day for several days until the plant shows signs of wilting and dying.
Biological control: Release goats or other browsing animals in the area where honeyvine is growing. These animals love to eat honeyvine and can reduce the population significantly.

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Care Guide for Honeyvine

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Honeyvine thrives with consistent moisture without waterlogging, preferring high humidity. Watering weekly is ideal, especially for outdoor growth. It benefits from rainwater during the growing season, often twining up fences and trellises, reducing the need for supplemental watering.

Propagation: Honeyvine can be propagated in spring or summer via herbaceous cuttings, with moderate difficulty. Success is indicated by rooted cuttings and new growth. Employ rooting hormone and maintain a warm, moist environment for optimal results.

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Images of Honeyvine

Distribution of Honeyvine

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Honeyvine

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