Swallow Wort. white swallow-wort
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria

Family: Asclepiadaceae

What it is like

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Wood margins and open places, north to latitude 60° 30' north in Europe.

Europe to E. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic. Used in the treatment of dropsy. The juice of the plant is applied to boils and pimples.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. A polymorphic species.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cynanchum vincetoxicum. Vincetoxicum vincetoxicum