Periwinkle
Vinca rosea · Apocynaceae
How it looks
Periwinkle is a trailing vine with glossy, dark green oval leaves in opposite pairs and stems that creep along the ground. It produces flowers with five pink, purple, or white petals that open like a pinwheel. It grows 12-24 in (30-60 cm) tall and is commonly planted outdoors as a groundcover.
Deadly — cardiac arrest
All parts of Periwinkle contain cardiac glycosides; even a small amount can cause arrhythmias, vomiting, and depression, and in serious cases this can progress to cardiac arrest.
Guide for parents
Periwinkle is sometimes grown as a garden or ornamental plant, but never bring it into a space where a cat lives. The leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and even the vase water are all dangerous. Don't leave cut stems lying around — dispose of them immediately. If you suspect ingestion, head to a 24-hour animal hospital right away even if there are no symptoms. Cardiac toxicity can appear late, so the golden window is very short.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 2–6 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Go to an animal hospital immediately. Don't wait, even if symptoms seem mild.
Details
- Scientific name
- Vinca rosea
- Common name
- Periwinkle
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Cardiac glycosides
- Source
- ASPCA
