5903 Swepsonville Saxapahaw Rd.

Saxapahaw, NC

Flower of Carolina

Flower of Carolina is a native plant nursery and Meadery located in Saxapahaw NC

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Matelea obliqua

Northern Spinypod

Price:
$12.90 Regular Price

  • Product Info

    Northern Spinypod (Matelea obliqua)
    Dogbane Family

    Northern Spinypod is a twining vine in the dogbane family native to the eastern US, where it is uncommon across most of its range. This species is most often found in calcareous woodlands, rocky slopes, and forest edges, where it climbs over shrubs and small trees for support. It produces small, star-shaped, maroon to purplish-brown flowers in late spring to summer, which are pollinated by a variety of insects. It prefers well-drained soils and partial to full sun, though it can also tolerate light shade. Like other members of the milkweed family, it contains a milky sap and produces distinctive seedpods that split open to release silky, wind-dispersed seeds. In home gardens, it can be grown on trellises, fences, or allowed to sprawl through native plant beds.Though less commonly available than other native vines, Matelea obliqua has botanical interest and supports native insect life, including specialized milkweed-feeding species.

    • Blooms: Red, 3-4 weeks, May-July
    • Leaves: Opposite, heart-shaped leaves
    • Height: 6-15’
    • Space:2-3’
    • Soil:Average-Moist
    • Exposure:Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
    • Fauna: Supports many insects that feed exclusively on the milkweed family
    • Seeds: Large spiny pods containing seeds attached to silky strands
    • Deer Resistance:High
    • Zone:6-9
    • Native Status: NC native, rare in the Mountains, historically present in the Piedmont
    • Provenance:Unknown, seed grown