lesser periwinkle

Vinca minor

Member of periwinkles (genus Vinca)
european periwinkles (subtribe Vincinae)
dogbane family (family Apocynaceae)
dicots (class Magnoliopsida)
flowering plants (subphylum Angiospermae)

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CalPhotos

• corolla 2–3 cm wide
• leaf 2–4.5 cm long
• leaf blade base is rounded about the same as the tip
• scattered sparsely throughout the bay area, generally near civilization

Known in Italian as the “flower of death” because it was used to adorn the heads of those to be executed [source]

Toxicity of myrtle, vinca minor (Vinca minor):
4 – Ingestion of these plants, especially in large amounts, is expected to cause serious effects to the heart, liver, kidneys or brain. If ingested in any amount, call the poison center immediately.

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Chris’s observations: none

Not all sites include this taxon:

• Vinca minor → iNaturalist – Calflora – CalPhotos
• not listed → Jepson eFlora
• not yet listed → FNA

Bay Area species: iNaturalist – Calflora