Vincetoxicum hirundinaria

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (synonym Cynanchum), known as Tame poison, is a medicinal perennial plant found throughout Europe, in rocky and clay-limestone soils, preferably dry, along roadsides, on hillsides or on the edge of woodlands. This robust species forms a rather decorative clump and produces beautiful displays of variable colour, white-yellow-greenish or white, in summer. Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, with a reputation as a toxic poison, is not without charm. It will find its place in a simple garden, or with a curious gardener, in a garden that leaves room for nature. 

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria belongs to the family of Asclepiadaceae or Apocynaceae according to different classifications. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a robust root system. The above-ground vegetation is deciduous: it emerges from the ground in spring and dries up in autumn. The plant has a variable habit, usually forming a broad clump, measuring between 40 and 80 cm (16 and 32in) in height depending on the growing conditions. The creeping root produces simple, erect stems, sometimes slightly voluble, slightly hairy, with large leaves arranged in pairs. These leaves are thick and firm, ovate or lanceolate-oblong, with a heart-shaped base. Flowering occurs from June to September depending on the climate, in the axils of the leaves located at the top of the stems. It takes the form of fairly dense clusters called corymbose cymes. They are composed of small flowers of a greenish-white or yellowish colour, fused at the base, spreading into 5 lobes. After pollination by insects, elongated and pointed fruits form. When they dry in autumn, they release seeds with a silky egret that will be dispersed by the wind. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.

As a wild plant that grows in fairly poor soils, tame poison will delight enthusiasts and collectors of Mandrake, Deadly Nightshade and other Daturas. This perennial allows for the creation of natural scenes in slightly wild areas of the garden. For example, it can be planted in front of an elderberry with purple and yellow foxgloves. As a precaution, we advise keeping children and animals away.