Black Swallowwort Cynanchum louiseae (formerly Cynanchum nigrum)

Other common names: Black Dog Strangling Vine, Dog Strangling Vine Other scientific names: Cynanchum nigrum, Asclepias nigra, Vincetoxicum nigrum Family: Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae), (Milkweed Family (Asclepiadaceae)) Group: Swallowworts Distinctive features: Opposite leaves on a vine, milkweed-like seed pods and seeds. Similar species:   •   Pale Swallowwort (Cynanchum rossicum) - very similar.   •   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: Fields and Open Areas;  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 For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers Photographs: 5 photographs available, of which 3 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS. Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Plants ● Swallowworts