Matelea decipiens, commonly known as Oldfield Milkvine, is a perennial vine that is native to a variety of habitats in the south and central and eastern United States, including open deciduous woods, forest edges, and stream banks. It is particularly adapted to disturbed areas such as old fields, hence its common name. This vine can climb up to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) when supported. Oldfield Milkvine has heart-shaped leaves that are typically 2-4 inches in size and produces clusters of deep purple, star-shaped flowers in the late spring to early summer. The flowers are modest in size but are quite showy due to their intricate structure and coloration.

Oldfield Milkvine is valued for its ability to attract pollinators, including butterflies and bees, making it a beneficial addition to wildlife gardens and naturalized areas. It is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates partial shade to full sun exposure. While not commonly used in formal garden settings, it can be an interesting feature on trellises or fences in informal or naturalistic landscapes. The milky sap found in the stems and leaves is characteristic of the Apocynaceae family and can be a skin irritant, so care should be taken when handling the plant. The fruit is a large, spindle-shaped follicle that splits open to release seeds with silky tufts for wind dispersal.CC BY-SA 4.0