Taxonomy

• Family Name: Apocynaceae
• Botanical Name: Vinca major
• Common Name: Periwinkle, big periwinkle, bigleaf periwinkle, blue buttons, blue periwinkle, greater periwinkle, myrtle, vinca

Description

Vinca major, commonly known as big periwinkle, is a herbaceous perennial groundcover that forms a dense mat. It can be identified by its glossy leaves, long dark green trailing stems, and flower bearing stems up to 1.5ft tall. The leaves are oval with a pointed tip and are nearly heart-shaped. They can be dark glossy green, or variegated (as pictured) which is a description for leaves with more than one color. Big periwinkle produces lavender blue funnel-shaped flowers in spring, and intermittently through August. 

Under favourable conditions, it can spread invasively and outcompete other vegetation in natural areas. It reproduces primarily through trailing stems that root at the tips and stem fragments. Unwanted spread can be controlled by planting big periwinkle in containers.

The use of Vinca major is ornamental.

Toxicity

The toxicity of Vinca major is poorly documented, however, some plants within the same family (Apocynaceae) are highly toxic so it should be treated as such.

References:

wric.ucdavis.edu

plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/vinca-major/

cal-ipc.org

Synonyms:

Vinca pubescenes, Vinca major var.variegata

Disclaimer: Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association (VIMGA) does not advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. Any information in the recommended resources should be regarded as being for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any medical or health treatment.