Vinca minor
Background
Common periwinkle was first introduced into North America in the 1700s as an ornamental. It is still commonly sold as an ornamental ground cover.
Vinca minor
Vinca minor L.
Dogbane family (Apocynaceae)
Background
Common periwinkle was first introduced into North America in the 1700s as an ornamental. It is still commonly sold as an ornamental ground cover.
Distribution and Habitat
Periwinkle has escaped cultivation and is invading natural areas throughout the eastern U.S. It inhabits open to shady sites including forests and often escapes from old homesites.
Ecological Threat
Periwinkle grows vigorously and forms dense and extensive mats along the forest floor, displacing native herbaceous and woody plant species.
Description and Biology
- Plant: vine-like erect or trailing groundcover; mostly evergreen; stems slender.
- Leaves: opposite, dark green, glossy, oval to lance-shaped, thick-textured; may be variegated.
- Flowers, fruits and seeds: flower blue, lavender or white, about 1 in. across, five petals blunt at tip, arranged in spiral; springtime; no fruits or seeds typically.
- Spreads: vegetatively through rhizomes.
- Look-alikes: may be confused with several close relatives of this plant, including bigleaf periwinkle (Vinca major), imported from Europe, and Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), native only to Madagascar, both also invasive in natural areas in the mid-Atlantic and other parts of the United States; and winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei).
Prevention and Control
Periwinkle can be pulled by hand, dug up or raked up, being sure to remove underground portions. Where appropriate, mowing can be used to cut plants back but will likely have to be repeated regularly. Mowing followed soon after by application of a systemic herbicide would improve control greatly (see Control Options).
Vinca Minor
Perfect Autumnal 3 Pack
With the seasons changing and the weather cooling down we’ve put together the perfect autumnal 3 pack.
2022 Mendocino Carignan // 2022 California Pinot Noir – Chardonnay // 2022 Mendocino Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
SOIL, GRAPE and SUN
THE VINCA MINOR WINE CLUB
Fall Wine Club // 6 bottles // $225
2022 Sonoma Valley Chardonnay – 2022 Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir – 2022 Monterey Pinot Noir – 2022 California Pinot Noir / Chardonnay – 2022 Mendocino Carignan //
When Jason established Vinca Minor in 2013 he made the prescient decision to build his brand around old-vine Mendocino Carignan, a grape few knew of — and even fewer raved about. Since then, his bold, minimalist handling of the grape has earned him much acclaim and placed him at the forefront of California’s natural wine movement. He’s also helped make Carignan an emerging star. Now he’s part of California’s experimental vanguard, pushing the boundaries of fermentation and site expression.
Tasting Room + Winery
1335 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA
Open // Friday 3-7 // Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 12-4