Matelea parviflora, commonly known as Smallflower Milkvine, is a deciduous perennial vine native to Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, where it is found in a variety of habitats including thorn scrub, woodlands, prairies, and along streams in riparian zones. It typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) and can spread 1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 meters) wide. The vine is characterized by its twining habit and small, star-shaped greenish-white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers, while not particularly showy, are followed by interesting seed pods that add ornamental value in the fall.

Smallflower Milkvine is valued for its ability to attract butterflies, including the Monarch, which uses it as a host plant for its larvae. It is used in native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, and as a naturalizing element in informal settings. This vine is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with low water availability. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil types. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from foliar diseases in overly moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0