Cynanchum nigrum

Common Name: 
black swallowwort, climbing milkweed, dog-strangle vine
Scientific Name: 
Cynanchum nigrum (L.) Pers.    syn.  Vincetoxicum nigrum, Cynanchum louiseae
Family Name: 
Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
introduced perennial, reproducing by seed
Stems
unbranched, viney in nature, climbing or sprawling
Growth Habit of Black Swallowwort
Leaves
opposite, ovate to broadly lanceolate, entire, somewhat shiny, very short petioles
Leaves of Black Swallowwort
Leaves of Black Swallowwort
Flowers
5-petaled, dark purple to almost black, petals triangular with short white hairs; axillary clusters
Flowers of Black Swallowwort
Flowers of Black Swallowwort
Seed Pods
green, long, slender, pointed, light brown when mature; seed flat with tuft of fine hairs
Seedpods of Black Swallowwort
Seedpods of Black Swallowwort