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Common Periwinkle
Vinca minor
 Identification
Creeping evergreen
vine. Leaves are elliptical in shape with complete, smooth margins,
one and a half to two inches in length. Usually growing low to the
ground, but sometimes reaching heights from three to six inches.
Periwinkle mostly grows along the ground, and roots at intervals,
forming dense mats of stems and roots over time. Flowers are
attractive, purple to blue in color, and appearing in spring. Not
highly productive from seed, but spreads aggressively by runners
rooting to form new plants.
Origin
Europe
Habitat
Favors shady,
moist areas in dense open forests and other shady locations. Not
tolerant of high heat, and will yellow and die in full sun. Forms
thick mats in moist, high succession forest understories. Often
found around old home sites that have been long abandoned and
reverted back to forest.
Ecological Threat
Periwinkle spreads
very aggressively in shaded, moist, high succession forests and
riparian areas. It forms an impenetrable mat on the forest floor,
slowing tree regeneration and stopping growth of native shade
tolerant herbaceous vegetation such as native ferns and wildflowers.
Reported invasive in both NC and GA.
Recommended Native Alternatives
-
Crossvine (Bignonia
capreolata)
-
Virginia
creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
-
Wild ginger (Asarum
canadense)
These pages are designed to give the
layperson a general overview of non-native invasive plants commonly
found in the upper Hiwassee River watershed. For more comprehensive
and technical information about a particular species, visit one of
the web sites from our
Links
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