There are two common and widespread species of Vincetoxicum in eastern North America. They have overlapping ranges, and are very difficult to distinguish without flowers, especially from photographs. I have collected some representative photos to make it easier to correctly identify them, and ...mais ↓
There are two common and widespread species of Vincetoxicum in eastern North America. They have overlapping ranges, and are very difficult to distinguish without flowers, especially from photographs. I have collected some representative photos to make it easier to correctly identify them, and to show how difficult it is to tell them apart without flowers.
Key features:
Vincetoxicum rossicum: This species has pale purple flowers, with long, narrowly pointed petals. The petals are smooth, without any visible hairs on the surface. Before they open, the flower buds have a pointy end.
NB: V. rossicum will occasionally have white flowers.
Vincetoxicum nigrum: Much darker purple flowers, with shorter, broader petals. The petals have dense hairs on the surface. Before they open, the flower buds have a rounded end, appearing almost globular.
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria: Very rare in North America (common in Europe), this species has white flowers. Only one confirmed record in iNaturalist so far.
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