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Periwinkle or Blue Myrtle

Vinca spp

Description:

The charming periwinkle, also called myrtle, has a long history. Originally a native of southern Europe, plants were brought over by the colonists, and now it has naturalized over much of the Northeast. "Periwinkle" is thought to be an old Slavic word, pervinka, meaning "first" and referring to the early spring flowers. Perennials Image Gallery Description of periwinkle: Periwinkle is a trailing plant about 6 inches high with small, oval, opposite, dark green, shiny, evergreen leaves. In spring, 5-petaled flowers, about 3/4-inch in diameter, are borne on short stems in a lovely shade of blue.

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2 Comments

JimJohnson2
JimJohnson2 10 years ago

Hi empidonax! I think you are right. My neighbor used to have Blue Myrtle and I'll bet she did some thinning and dumped the extras out in the woods and it took over. Thanks for the excellent eye!

empidonax
empidonax 10 years ago

Looks like periwinkle (Vinca sp.) — an invasive species in North America.

JimJohnson2
Spotted by
JimJohnson2

Pennsylvania, USA

Spotted on Apr 6, 2014
Submitted on Apr 6, 2014

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