Common Periwinkle
Vinca minor
non-native
Other Names:
Lesser Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Small Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle is a non-native invasive vine found in much of Virginia. It is native to central and southern Europe and was introduced to the United States as ornamental ground cover and as a medicinal herb. It grows in dense mats that crowd out native plant species. Its seeds are small and not of interest to birds. Common Periwinkle grows in many national parks, including along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It was once commonly planted in cemeteries in the southern states, and sometimes, mats of periwinkle can indicate the presence of graves whose other markers have disappeared. The lavender color "periwinkle" is based on the color of the flowers.
Identification Tools
Illinois Wildflowers
Friends of the Wildflower Garden
Go Botany
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States
Ranges
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