Periwinkle, large and small
Vinca minor, Vinca major

Family: Apocynaceae
Other Common Names: Lesser periwinkle, dwarf periwinkle, creeping myrtle
Weed class: monitor list
Year Listed: 2012
Native to: Europe
Is this Weed Toxic?:
not known to be
Why Is It a Noxious Weed?
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact its sponsor State Weed Board at noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov to report locations of where plants are found growing outside of ornamental plantings.
How would I identify it?
General Description
Periwinkle is a trailing, evergreen groundcover with dark green opposite leaves.
Flower Description
5 broad, bright blue-purple petals whirl out from a lighter center. Occasionally flowers have no pigment and are all white. These flowers are smaller than large periwinkle flowers, as at their largest, they only get to just over an inch wide
Leaf description
Stereotypically shaped leaves that are deep green, though are occasionally varigated with a much ligheter outside third. The edges are very lightly hairy.
Stem description
Long, thin, vine-like stems can spread across a wide area
Fruit Seed Description
Long ovals with a deep, darker curling fissure running down one side
Where does it grow?
It does better in partial shade, though can survive in full sun or full sun. It can easily escape garden and ornamental plantings
How Does it Reproduce?
Seed and vegetatively
How Do I Control It?
Plants can be pulled from moist soil. Cutting or mowing, followed by raking up the vines can help keep periwinkle vines from spreading. 1 to 2 percent solution of tryclopyr or glyphosate can be applied to new growth, or to fresh growth after being cut.
For More Information
WTU image database information Vinca minor
Invasives.org webpage on Vinca minor
Whatcom County NWCB Fact Sheet on periwinkle
California Invasive Plant Council information on Vinca major
WTU image database information Vinca major
Plant Right webpage on Vinca major