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Vincetoxicum nigrum (Black swallow wort)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
2m
Max height
Max height
0.9m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Vincetoxicum nigrum
Other names
Black swallow wort, Cynanchum nigrum, Louise's swallow-wort, Cynanchum louiseae, Dog-strangling vine, Black dog-strangling vine
Genus
Vincetoxicum Vincetoxicum
Species
V. nigrum - V. nigrum is a deciduous, twining climber with ovate to lance-shaped, pointed, glossy, dark green leaves and star-shaped, maroon to black flowers in summer followed by slender, green pods.
Vincetoxicum nigrum is: Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested. In North America, this plant crowds out or replaces the host plant of monarch butterflies. The larvae cannot survive on this plant.
Flower
Maroon, Black in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids Aphids
Slime flux , Clematis wilt Slime flux , Clematis wilt
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 2.
Propagation
Sow by self-seeding. Can also be propagated by sections of rhizome.
Propagation methods
Seed, Rhizome sections
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Where to grow
Vincetoxicum nigrum (Black swallow wort) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 0.9m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Plant in moist but well-drained, preferably neutral to acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of conditions, including shade and coastal sites. Classified as a highly invasive weed in introduced areas.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Vincetoxicum nigrum
Other names
Black swallow wort, Cynanchum nigrum, Louise's swallow-wort, Cynanchum louiseae, Dog-strangling vine, Black dog-strangling vine
Genus
Vincetoxicum Vincetoxicum
Species
V. nigrum - V. nigrum is a deciduous, twining climber with ovate to lance-shaped, pointed, glossy, dark green leaves and star-shaped, maroon to black flowers in summer followed by slender, green pods.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested. In North America, this plant crowds out or replaces the host plant of monarch butterflies. The larvae cannot survive on this plant.
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Colour
Flower
Maroon, Black in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 2.
Propagation
Sow by self-seeding. Can also be propagated by sections of rhizome.
Propagation methods
Seed, Rhizome sections
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Vincetoxicum nigrum (Black swallow wort) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 0.9m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Plant in moist but well-drained, preferably neutral to acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of conditions, including shade and coastal sites. Classified as a highly invasive weed in introduced areas.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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