Cynanchum rossicum (Kleopov) Barbarich Milkweed family
(Asclepiadaceae) Download PDF version formatted for print (119
KB) Pale or European swallow-wort (previously Vincetoxicum
rossicum) is a long-lived perennial, twining herbaceous vine.
The leaves are oval shaped with pointed tips, 3-4 in. long by
2-3 in. wide, and occur in pairs along the stem. The small five-
petaled, star shaped flowers are creamy pink to reddish brown,
about ¼ in. across, and are borne in clusters. The fruits are
slender tapered pods, 2-3 in. long by about ¼ in. wide, that
turn from green to light brown as they mature. When ripe, the
fruits open along a seam and release flattened seeds equipped
with a downy parachute that aids in wind dispersal. In contrast
to its invasive relative the black swallow-wort (C. louiseae),
pale swallow-wort does not have rhizomes. Plants tend to grow in
clumps of several to many stems, forming extensive patches.
NOTE: There are many native species of Cynanchum, including
honeyvine (Cynanchum laeve) which occ