Trilliums and Other Wildflowers

Periwinkle

Toronto, Canada. June 7, 2003.

A patch of Periwinkles (Vinca minor) on the grounds of the Guild Inn.

Note an e-mail I received:

To Whom It May Concern:

I came across your website which listed Periwinkle as a wildflower of Southern Ontario along with Trillium.  To clarify, the two are in totally different classifications.  Periwinkle is not a native of Canada.  It is classified as an "invasive alien" by Environment Canada and can take over woodlands choking out other indigenous plant species including Trillium.  It is extremely difficult to remove once established.  Periwinkle is on the invasive species list of many progressive communities and it should be discouraged as a groundcover in areas that are not contained or areas adjacent to woodlots and other natural areas.  It would be useful if your website did not list this invasive non-native with native wildflowers as the information is inaccurate and it may encourage people to plant Periwinkle in areas where it will do a lot of damage to natural ecosystem.  I hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Christie Dunbar BLA, OALA, CSLA

Other wildflower pictures can be found at Trilliums.