How much sun does Black Swallowwort need?

Black Swallowwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Black Swallowwort bloom?

Black Swallowwort blooms in June, July, and August.

What pollinators does Black Swallowwort attract?

Black Swallowwort draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Black Swallowwort HOA-friendly?

Black Swallowwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Black Swallowwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Vincetoxicum nigrum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Black Swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–72" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Native alternatives to Black Swallowwort

Black Swallowwort is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Black swallowwort is a climbing vine that reaches 2-6 feet tall with dark purple flowers in summer. This European species spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and wind-dispersed seeds. It can quickly overtake native vegetation and is considered invasive in many areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Swallowwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Invasive species that spreads aggressively
Can overtake other plantings
May be prohibited by local regulations

Wildlife value

While it attracts some pollinators like bees and flies, this invasive species actually harms wildlife by displacing native plants that provide better food sources and habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Swallowwort need?: Black Swallowwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Black Swallowwort bloom?: Black Swallowwort blooms in June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Black Swallowwort attract?: Black Swallowwort draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Black Swallowwort HOA-friendly?: Black Swallowwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Black Swallowwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz