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Big Leaf Periwinkle

Vinca major

Other Common Names

Periwinkle, Large Periwinkle

Plant Category

Groundcover, Vine

Invasive Description

Native to Europe, the Big Leaf Periwinkle is an evergreen to semi-evergreen trailing or scrambling vines. The stems are stout, somewhat woody, and green. The opposite, glossy leaves are 1.5 to 2.5 in. long and heart-shaped to elliptical. Some varieties have variegated leaf colors. The single flowers are violet to blue (sometimes white), 1.5 to 2 in. wide, and five-petaled.

Ecological Threat

Big Leaf Periwinkle was introduced to the United States in the 1700s. Just like its small leaf cousin, Vinca minor, Big Leaf Periwinkle forms mats that smother all vegetation, preventing tree and shrub regeneration. It readily escapes from garden plantings to neighboring native areas. In riparian areas, waterborne leaf and stem fragments can spread the plant.

Widely available in nurseries and online.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions