Greater Periwinkle
Vinca major
Apocynaceae
Other names
Blue-Buttons, Band Plant
Growth habit
Sub-Shrub
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Europe
Biocultural value
Prescribed by 1st Century Greek physician Dioscorides, as well as by the renowned 2nd Century physician Galen, to treat fluxes such as dysentary and internal bleeding
Location
Source of plant
Wayside Gardens
Description
Trailing evergreen subshrub with stems to several feet long. Leaves ovate, to 2" long, obtuse or acute,truncate or subcordate at base, ciliate, short-petioled. Corolla blue, to 2" across, tube about 1/4" long. Early spring blooming.
USDA Hardiness Zone
5
Special characteristics
medicinal/pharmaceutical