Swallow-wort
ExplorePlants
Swallow-wort
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria
Swallow-wort is a pretty plant with lovely flowers that can grow in fields and gardens. It has long, green leaves and can climb up other plants for support.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Swallow-wort is a perennial plant with twining stems that can climb other vegetation. It has glossy, oval-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, typically creamy-white to yellowish-green. These are followed by slender, canoe-shaped seed pods.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusVincetoxicum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Break a stem and watch milky white sap ooze out, just like a hidden secret!
Despite its name, this plant is not related to true swallows at all!
Its European name, Vincetoxicum, means 'to conquer poison', hinting at old medicinal uses!
The unique star shape of its tiny flowers attracts specific small insects!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Shield Sap
Swallow-wort has a milky sap that oozes out when damaged, helping it defend against hungry herbivores.
Ability
Parachute Seed Spread
Swallow-wort produces seeds with silky tufts that act like tiny parachutes, helping them travel far on the wind.
Ability
Light Ladder Climb
Swallow-wort can twine its stems around other plants, using them like a ladder to reach more sunlight.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 20-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eats
Swallow-wort Moth
Abrostola asclepiadis
Its larvae feed exclusively on the plant's leaves.
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits the small flowers to collect nectar and pollen.
eats
Oleander Aphid
Myzus asclepiadis
Sucks nutrient-rich sap from the stems and leaves.
eaten by
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
Deer occasionally browse on the plant's foliage.
Traits
Climbing/Vine
Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not eat any part of the plant without asking an adult, as some plants can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Swallow-wort?
30-100 cm
How wide does Swallow-wort spread?
20-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Swallow-wort?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does Swallow-wort bloom?
Late spring to summer
Is Swallow-wort edible?
No
Is Swallow-wort toxic?
Moderate
What is Swallow-wort's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Swallow-wort pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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