Periwinkle
Vinca Major
Local Verdict
"Common ornamental escape in historic foothill towns. Non-native and often invasive near water or old homesteads."
Overview
Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) is an evergreen trailing groundcover with glossy green leaves and five-petaled violet-blue flowers. Common around historic properties in Columbia and throughout Tuolumne County, it frequently escapes cultivation and spreads into shaded woodland edges, roadsides, and riparian areas.
Though attractive and drought-tolerant once established, it is non-native to California (Mediterranean origin) and can outcompete native understory plants in foothill ecosystems. Flowers bloom primarily in spring, with occasional blooms into summer.
Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Prefers part shade to full shade in foothill conditions. Can tolerate morning sun but may scorch in intense afternoon exposure at lower elevations.
Water Needs
Drought-tolerant once established, but spreads most aggressively in moist soils and near irrigation or creek edges.
Soil Type
Tolerates clay, rocky foothill soils, and rich garden beds. Performs best in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil.
Elevation
Most common in lower foothill zones around Columbia, Sonora, and historic settlement areas. Occasionally found into mid elevations where planted.
Care Cheat Sheet
- 01.
Spreads by creeping stems that root at nodes:
- 02.
Cut back aggressively if controlling spread:
- 03.
Avoid planting near natural areas or creeks:
- 04.
Remove runners to prevent woodland invasion:
Related Plants
Special Notes
- • Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean
- • Frequently planted in Gold Rush-era gardens
- • Considered invasive in parts of California, especially in riparian zones
- • Toxic if ingested (contains vinca alkaloids) — may cause gastrointestinal distress in pets and livestock
- • Often confused with Vinca minor (which has smaller leaves and flowers)