Black Swallow-wort

The black swallow-wort species is an herbaceous perennial in the Apocynaceae family, native to Europe. They grow to a length of one to two meters. The five petals of the star-shaped flowers, which range in color from deep purple to black, feature white hairs. Flowers have a width of about 25 inches, and they bloom in the months of June and July. On their twining green stems, the vines bear straightforward, opposing leaves. Brushy regions, woodlands, riverbanks, gardens, fence rows, wooded borders, old fields, pastures, and roadside are all easily invaded by black swallow-wort. It thrives in both intense sunlight and slight shade.

The fruit is a thin, milkweed-like pod that matures from green to light brown. When the pods open, flattened, spherical brown seeds with a silky filament at the tip fall out. It features a heavily budded rhizomatous crown and a fleshy root system. The numerous management techniques for black swallow-wort include chemical, manual, mechanical, and biological ones.

The diversity of species and animal habitats are threatened by the tiny blooms. The numbers of monarch butterflies may be affected if black swallow-wort replaces milkweed, where female monarchs lay their eggs and which they also use as nourishment for their larvae. Additionally, the habitat of this flower is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to stop the spread of this invasive plant by plucking and removing the pods before they open.