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Vinca minor - Common Periwinkle, Periwinkle

Infestation Photo

photo by  WNY PRISM

June 5, 2015

photo by  WNY PRISM

June 5, 2015

photo by  WNY PRISM

June 5, 2015

photo by  WNY PRISM

June 5, 2015

    Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a ground cover, mostly evergreen with dark green, glossy, oval to lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are blue, lavender or white, about 1” in diameter which bloom in the springtime. It was introduced into North America in the 1700s as an ornamental. It is still sold as an ornamental ground cover.

    Common Periwinkle has escaped cultivation and is invading natural areas throughout the eastern United States. It inhabits open to shady sites including forests and often escapes from old home sites. It grows vigorously and forms dense and extensive mats along the forest floor, displacing native herbaceous and woody plant species.