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smallflower swallow-wort

Scientific Name: Cynanchum parviflorum

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cynanchum parviflorum

Cynanchum parviflorum, commonly known as smallflower swallow-wort, is a species of plant with a complex taxonomic history. Swallow-wort is also a term used to refer to several plants and plant families.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that "swallow-wort" may be derived from poisonous properties, though this isn't specific to Cynanchum parviflorum.
  • Swallow-wort is sometimes referred to as "dog-strangling vine" due to it being invasive, so it may pose some hazards to animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cynanchum parviflorum Sw.
  • Synonym: Metastelma parviflorum (Sw.) R. Br. ex Schult.
  • Rank: Species
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Asclepiadaceae (mentioned in connection to Cynanchum in general)
  • Other Synonyms Mentioned: Acrocoryne caribaea Turcz., Cynanchum paralias (Decne.) P. T. Li

Common Names

  • Smallflower swallow-wort
  • Caribbean swallow-wort
  • Gulf Coast swallow-wort

Distribution and Habitat

  • Not found in Idaho.
  • The flowers of some swallow-wort species have spread across the Northeast U.S. and Southeast Canada.
  • Native to Mona Island.

Ecological Role

  • Some species, such as black swallow-wort, are considered invasive and are subject to eradication efforts in certain regions.
  • Caterpillars cannot feed on swallow-wort plants, and monarchs may lay eggs on them.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Each floret or small flower produces one capsule containing seeds.

Quirky Facts

  • Small-flower Swallow-wort was introduced to North America in 1774 by John Fothergill, M.D.
  • Swallow-wort is sometimes referred to as "dog-strangling vine."

Related Species

  • Cynanchum maccartii (Maccart's Swallow-wort)
  • Cynanchum louiseae (Black Swallow-wort)
  • Cynanchum rossicum (European Swallow-wort)
  • Cynanchum angustifolium (Gulf Coast swallow-wort)
  • Cynanchum scoparium (Leafless Swallow-wort)
  • Cynanchum laeve (Climbing Milkweed, Smooth Swallowwort)

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cynanchum parviflorum.