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Black Swallowwort
(Cynanchum nigrum) |
Other common names:
Dog Strangling Vine
Other scientific names:
Asclepias nigra, Vincetoxicum nigrum
Family:
Milkweed Family (Asclepiadaceae)
Group:
Swallowworts
Distinctive features:
Opposite leaves on a vine, milkweed-like seed pods and seeds
Similar species:
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Pale Swallowwort (Cynanchum rossicum) - very similar
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White Swallowwort (Cynanchum vincetoxicum) - very similar, has white flowers
Flowers:
Summer; Green/Brown; 5 parts (petals); 5-petals, dark purple/dark brown, petals fuzzy, 1/4" wide, late spring & summer
Leaves:
Opposite/Whorled; Entire; Opposite pairs, sometimes in a whorl, egg-shaped
Height:
Vine, 2-6 feet long
Stem:
Vine
Fruit/Seeds:
In a pod closely resembling those of milkweed. but smaller
Habitat:
Open areas, forest edges
Books:
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 326
Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 390
ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 139
Native/Non-native:
Non-Native
Status:
Common
Notes:
This is a highly invasive alien plant, that will aggressively take over an area once it gets a chance. Pull it up before it gets a foothold.
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: nigrum: black
See Also:
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Swallow-wort: Monarch Menace, from The Monday Garden, by Sue Sweeney
Photographs:
2 photographs available, of which 3 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
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