Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

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Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

The Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a member of the Apocynaceae or Dogbane family.  It is a perennial, trailing, somewhat woody vine which can be up to 3-feet long that may form large mats.  The leaves, from 1.2- to 2-inches long, are opposite, smooth, dark green and evergreen.  The flowers, from 0.8- to 1.2-inches wide, arise from the leaf axis on erect stalks, and are 5-lobed, blue to lavender-blue in color.  This is a widespread plant found in open woodlands, cemeteries and waste ground throughout the eastern U.S.  It flowers from April to May.