Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc.

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Black swallow-wort

Black swallow-wort

Black swallow-wort

(Vincetoxicum nigrum)

General description:

Herbaceous, perennial vine that twines 3-6’ tall with small hairs on the stems and seed pods similar to milkweed. Plants spread vegetatively and reproductively.

Ecological threat:

  • Invades the understory of forests, woodland edges, grasslands, and old fields covering native vegetation and forming dense thickets. Tolerant of sun and shade.
  • Black swallow-wort is shown to reduce monarch butterfly populations
  • Grassland bird presence greatly decreases as infestations expand.
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