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We have learned that if you dig, any root fragments left in the soil can resprout, so you'll need to be tenacious about pulling new growth. One report from Indiana noted it covering acres of native forest forming a stand so dense it excluded nearly all other vegetation, including reproduction of the trees. evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). Vinca minor, or the Periwinkle, is a flowering plant non-native to Lake County. http://portlandnursery.com/plants/perennials/vinca.shtml, http://www.naturalbiodiversity.org/biobullies/downloads/CommonPeriwinkle.pdf, http://www.floridata.com/ref/v/vinc_min.cfm, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=VIMI2, http://www.gardenguides.com/108036-eats-vinca-plants.html, http://www.missouriplants.com/Blueopp/Vinca_minor_page.html, http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=3081.

Found this plant? in 20 years). Stems are woody near the base, may reach 6 feet long but creep along the ground, rooting at the nodes and forming dense mats; flowering branches more erect but rarely exceed 8 inches tall. New leaves may initially be bright green, the upper surface becoming shiny dark green, the lower more silvery. (intentionally or a sighting. to exist in the county by The calyx cupping the flower has 5 narrow lobes shorter than the floral tube. Patch of it frowning just off the horse trail. All images and text Animals such as deer and rabbits tend to avoid the leaves. My Aunt planted it around '60. the state.
), please check the links and invasive species pages for additional resources. We depend on Periwinkle is a European introduction long touted in the nursery trade as a tough, fast-growing ground cover; there are a number of cultivars bred for flower color and/or variegated leaves. New England It spreads vegetatively by underground runners or re-rooting leaf nodes. I've got a very large patch maybe 100x100'in a portion of my woods. I will work from now on to keep it from spreading onto our woodland property. For info on subjects other than plant identification (gardening, invasive species control, edible plants, etc. I did not realize that it was officially invasive though. plants. Inside the tube are 5 stamens and a green style. Photos by Peter M. Dziuk taken at Eloise Butler and in private gardens in Anoka County. Small clusters of it growing between a previously landscaped area and an undisturbed wooded area. all characteristics, the petals are arranged some other way in bud, the petals in bud are rolled like an umbrella, each petal having one edge tucked inside and the other edge exposed (convolute), the sepal outline is ovate (widest below the middle and broadly tapering at both ends), the base of the leaf blade is cuneate (wedge-shaped, tapers to the base with relatively straight, converging edges), or narrow, the leaf blade is elliptic (widest near the middle and tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is lanceolate (lance-shaped; widest below the middle and tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is ovate (widest below the middle and broadly tapering at both ends), the stems trail at the base, but may turn upwards at the tips. There is a divide between botanists on how V. minor should be regulated.

It is also widepread in North America, and is quite invasive in some areas including parts of New England. It was planted as a ground cover in our back yard by the previous owners. The leathery, evergreen leaves vaguely resemble some low-growing members of the Ericaceae family, such as Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) or Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), which have alternate leaves, clusters of small bell-shaped flowers, and typically abundant bright red, berry-like fruit. The famous Crayola color takes its name from this flower. On the other hand, the plant is popularly used as ground cover because it retains the soils moisture and prevents erosion. Thanks for your understanding. Abby, the natives wild strawberry and violets both make great ground covers. It is considered an invasive weed in most states. Help support this site ~ Information for sponsor opportunities. Web design and content copyright 2006-2022 MinnesotaWildflowers.info. Ss I learn more about gardening, I will begin removing it to make room for native plants.. Small patch must have been planted by previous owners. I have a bunch of it. Rather, insects such as aphids, mites, and weevils will eat them. Also covers 1) what is best way to get rid of a large amount? Looking for native ground cover alternative. 2022 Although technically an invasive species, it is popularly used as ground cover in gardens. lesser periwinkle. Leaf:The leaves of the Periwinkle are simple, opposite, elliptic, and have entire margins. State documented: documented donations to help keep this site free and up to date for state. It is certainly tenacious & I've had to be vigilant to control it's spreading beyond the area designated for it.
Flower: The flowers of the plant are normally a light blue, but can vary from white to pink to red-violet. Photos by K. Chayka taken at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Minneapolis, and in Missouri. I want to remove this and put in a native ground cover that is low (less than 6-8") and can withstand shade and hot mid-day sun. It has five petals which unite into a tube. It can escape cultivation and is particularly problematic in woodlands, where it can form dense mats and crowd out native species; it is currently considered invasive in Wisconsin. The flowers resemble those of a Phlox, which have a terminal cluster of flowers; all of the native Phlox in Minnesota have erect stems, not creeping. The Go Botany project is supported See the glossary for icon descriptions. I did not know that it was invasive. Show All rights reserved. Creeping through a wooded area. The wooded area next to our house, on our neighbor's property, has a dense mat of periwinkle growing all over the ground. A flower may produce a pair of slender bean-like pods to 1 inch long, each containing a few seeds, but fruit is rarely produced. Discover thousands of Native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders. My property has a section of this that is slowly taking over. Note: All comments are moderated before posting to keep the riff-raff out. you. Funding provided in part by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Exact status definitions can vary from state to VT. Roadsides, fields, cemeteries, areas of habitation. Julie, we aren't experts at controlling various weeds, so try asking Master Gardeners at UM Extension. It creeps quickly over our retaining wall and I have to cut it back repeatedly throughout the year. Shape: The plant is actually a very short trailing shrub with a long system of roots, growing up to 10 feet across. NH, Also covers those considered historical (not seen Periwinkle is recognized by its low-growing form with creeping stems; shiny, evergreen, opposite leaves; stalked flowers single in the leaf axils, typically blue to violet with 5 spreading lobes; fruit is a pair of bean-like pods but are rarely produced. Flowers are single in leaf axils along branching stems, trumpet-shaped, about 1 inch diameter with 5 spreading lobes, on a slender stalk that may be longer than the attending leaf. Can you please help us? It is often grown as an ornamental ground cover due to its ability to form dense colonies. Its seeds quickly escaped gardens and the plant spread across the continent. The plant prefers shady woodlands and savannas. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. RI, Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it? Flower color varies from blue to violet, sometimes white. image, please click it to see who you will need to contact. I heard that is invasive too. Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Creeping Myrtle, Running Myrtle, Lesser Periwinkle, part shade, shade, sun; moist to dry disturbed soil; woods, thickets, forest edges, bluffs, abandoned homesteads. Almost positive I've found it on the very edge of my neighbor's yard (close to ours) and it's creeping into the small stretch of wooded area that's behind the property. Note: when native and non-native those considered historical (not seen in 20 years). Leaves are opposite, evergreen, leathery, lance-elliptic to egg-shaped, to 2 inches long, up to 1 inch wide, toothless, hairless, blunt to pointed at the tip, and on a short stalk. Lesser periwinkle is native to Europe and western Asia, and widely introduced around the world. in part by the National Science Foundation. County documented: documented to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within For other info on gardening with native plants, check out Wild Ones, whose mission is to promote gardening with natives; there are several chapters in the Metro area. Anthropogenic (man-made or disturbed habitats), meadows and fields. Non-native: introduced CT, MA, ME, unintentionally); has become naturalized. populations both exist in a county, only native status The Periwinkle is native to Europe and was brought to North America in the 1700s as a decorative plant. Your help is appreciated. Thanks for all the great info on this site! Humans:In gardens, this is a pretty blue flower that can keep soil healthy. 2)what suggestions of native plants are recommended instead? An email address is required, but will not be postedit will only be used for information exchange between the 2 of us (if needed) and will never be given to a 3rd party without your express permission. Take a photo and For details, please check with your state. is shown on the map. Comment (max 1000 characters): Note: Comments or information about plants outside of Minnesota and neighboring states may not be posted because Id like to keep the focus of this web site centered on Minnesota. To reuse an I also have that bulb plant (Silla)
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In natural environments, it is considered a large threat to other plant species. post It's only been recorded once in Minnesota, escaped from a cemetery planting in Rice County, but is likely under-reported here. 555 North Sheridan Road Lake Forest, Illinois 60045 847-234-3100 Admissions: 847-735-5000, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, From the Center: Bringing Chicago to Campus, Digital Chicago: Unearthing History and Culture, Choose Antiracism Video Series Student Response, Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth, Brown Hall: The Newest Building on Campus, Mason School of Businesss Master of Accounting Program, Madeleine P. Plonsker Emerging Writers ResidencyPrize, Service Learning and Community Engagement, Rosalind Franklin University Flexible Nursing Pathways, Information for Visiting College Students, Summer Research and Off-Campus Opportunities, Windy City in Motion: Movies + Travel in Chicago, Lincoln Academy of Illinois: Student Laureate. Where in Minnesota? Pick an image for a larger view. Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest. Non-human:If unchecked, Periwinkle is capable of aggressively dominating landscapes, preventing the growth of similar low-lying plants.