Lesser periwinkle – Vinca minor
The lesser periwinkle, or creeping myrtle, is an herb in the dogbane family that originates in Central and Southern Europe as well as Western Asia. In Denmark it existed as early as the 15th century, but it was probably first introduced to Norway around the late Middle Ages as an ornamental plant.
The lesser periwinkle has shiny and evergreen leaves (the leaves are green all year round) that are placed two by two on each side of the stem. It grows creeping on the ground and has up to 3 cm wide, blue flowers that flower in the spring.
From gardens, cemeteries and green areas the lesser periwinkle has spread into Norwegian nature, especially in coastal areas in the south of the country. It is a very hardy plant that in Norway grows in temperate deciduous forests, scrub, roadsides, and open shallow ground both with and without lime. You will find it in both shady and sunny areas.
Although the lesser periwinkle flowers well, it does not set seeds in Norway. It is a perennial plant that spreads with shoots that take on new roots. With its creeping growth form, the lesser periwinkle forms large, compact blankets on the forest floor, and there is little room for other species in the area – it displaces the local species. For this reason, it has also been considered an alien species with very high ecological risk (SE).
