black swallowwort

Black Swallowwort (Cynanchum louiseae) is an increasingly problematic invasive in Eastern Massachusetts. It can be seen throughout our neighborhoods in hedges and on fences, with its twining vines growing rapidly up any supporting structure. In fields it often creates massive monocultures, smothering most other plant life. Once established, it is extremely difficult to control, as it reproduces aggressively— spreading through its very vigorous rhizomes and producing as many as 80 seeds per pod.