Cynanchum rossicum (Dog Strangling Vine)


Michael's Opinion

A most virulent, invasive, vascular plant species in Ontario

Botanical Information

FamilyApocynaceae
GenusCynanchum
Speciesrossicum
CategoryWoody
TypeVine
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height0.5-2 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA highly invasive vine, destroying agricultural crops and natural areas.
ID CharacteristicPerennial with a horizontal woody root stalk or rhizome. Twining and scrambling configuration.
ShapeIrregular growth, with twining shoots.
HabitatNear field borders, roadsides and railroad tracks. Creeping into Agricultural fields and pasture land.
Bark/Stem DescriptionAfter a year of growth, the stem turns light brown and resembles a decaying stem and stops growing, yet it still clings onto the host plant.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionTerminal bud is plump and blunt tipped.
Leaf DescriptionHas smooth margins, with hairs being present and major leaf veins on the underside of the leaf. The glossy, dark green leaves grow opposite on the stem and are ovate to elliptical.
Flower DescriptionProduce pods containing seed that is similar in appearance to common milkweed. The flowers appear near the top of the plant and grow on stalks that come from the leaf axils. Each stalk has 5-20 flowers. The flowers are dark purple or dark brown.
Fruit DescriptionBean shaped seed pod with seeds attached to downy 'umbrellas'.
Colour DescriptionLight green coloured stem with dark green leaves.
Texture DescriptionMedium textured.

Photographs