Odontostephana carolinensis

Carolina spinypod is a flowering herbaceous perennial vine native to the southeastern United States. It is typically found in sandy, loamy soils along streams, hardwood forests, riparian forests, old fields, and rocky outcrops. This species is somewhat variable, with blooms in some areas of the Southeast having small coronas, while others tend to have large flowers. The vine grows 6 to 12 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide; its stems are twining and hairy, and the leaves are heart-shaped. Flowers appear from April to August and are 5- petaled, star-shaped, brownish-purple to maroon, with recurved petals and a central corona. This perennial vine is in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The genus name Odontostephana is Greek in origin and derived from odon, meaning tooth, and stephana,  meaning crown or garland. This refers to the flower corona or "toothed crown." The specific epithet carolinensis is Latin, meaning "of or from the Carolinas."

Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight and moist to dry, well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It is hardy in zones 6 through 8. It is drought-tolerant once established. Provide a trellis or support for this twining vine.

In North Carolina, the Carolina spinypod, or maroon Carolina milkvine, is more common in the Piedmont region, and rare in the Coastal Plain and Mountains.

Consider the Carolina spinypod for a native garden or woodland setting. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect pests or diseases.