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Common Periwinkle

Vinca minor

Found in disturbed areas, around old house sites and especially old cemeteries, persistent and spreading from cultivation. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Northern Tier edition What its natural habitat tells you

-55
Severe harm

Not native to West Virginia. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
3–6 inches
Spread
6 inches–1.5 feet
Light
Dappled sunlight, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry to moist
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Do not plant. Listed invasive in West Virginia.

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At a glance

Life cycle
Perennial
Leaves
Evergreen
Bloom
April to June
Fruiting season
June to July

Recorded in 7 West Virginia counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

1CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including WV

Genus host records with ranges including WV · Vinca

  • Chloridea virescensTobacco Budworm Moth
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
1BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Recorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim · Vinca

  • Phalacrocorax auritusDouble-crested Cormorant
Hurlbert, Olsen, Sawyer & Winner 2021, Avian Diet Database, Scientific Data 8: 260 (CC0)

Direct food only: birds recorded eating this genus across North America. Caterpillars on host plants also feed nesting birds. NC Native Plant Society: butterfly gardening

Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Apocynaceae
Hardiness
Zones 4a–9b
Flower color
Blue, purple or white
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Spreads by runners
Foliage color
Dark green
Fruit begins
June
Fruit ends
July

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Grave Moss

Conservation status

West Virginia rankSNA
Global rankGNR
WV statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources