Swallowwort spp.
Swallowwort vines choke out large areas of favorable species and can interfere with forest regeneration. Toxic chemicals in the plant make it poor forage for deer and other wildlife.
Common Name: Swallowwort spp.
Scientific Name: Vincetoxicum spp.
Native Range: Europe
Background
Black and pale swallowworts are herbaceous, perennial, twining vines. Leaves are opposite and glossy. Small maroon to pale pink flowers are present in late May through late July. Seed pods are smooth, slender, and pointed and are abundant in late summer. Pods split open, releasing innumerable downy seeds that are easily carried miles by wind.
Habitat
This plant will thrive in a wide range of soil, moisture, and light conditions and is found in many habitats, including woodlands, fields, and roadsides.
NYS Distribution Map
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Identification
Swallowwort has dark green, glossy leaves that are arranged opposite each other along the stem. Small five-petaled flowers are present in June. The plant’s milkweed-like seed pods emerge in July and ripen by mid-August.
Impact
Swallowwort vines choke out large areas of favorable species and can interfere with forest regeneration. Toxic chemicals in the plant make it poor forage for deer and other wildlife.
Prevention and Control
Individual plants or small infestations can be dug out by hand. When this plant is cut, it resprouts vigorously, making control difficult, and warranting the careful use of herbicide for larger infestations.
