Periwinkle species (Vinca spp.) are perennial, evergreen, herbaceous plants in the dogbane (Apocynaceae) family. In Ontario, there are two recognized species: Lesser periwinkle (V. minor) and greater periwinkle (V. major). Periwinkles are native to Eurasia, Mediterranean and northern Africa (V. major). They were introduced to North America in the 1700s as fast-growing, ornamental groundcovers. Periwinkle infestations have been linked with lower plant biodiversity, fluctuations in soil calcium and sulphur concentrations, and changes to the physical structure of litter and the soil microhabitat. There is also some evidence that periwinkle displaces native plants through allelopathy. Despite the negative impacts of these invasive plants, there is currently no ban on the sale of periwinkle in Canada.

Click Below to Download the Periwinkle Best Management Practices Document: