Creeping myrtle, known botanically as Vinca minor, is a popular groundcover often sold for its ease of growth and evergreen foliage. Many people seek out this plant to fill difficult, shady areas of a garden. The simple answer to whether creeping myrtle is invasive is yes; it is classified as an invasive species in many regions, particularly throughout the eastern United States. It aggressively spreads outside of cultivation and into natural areas, where its ability to dominate native landscapes makes it a serious ecological concern. It was first introduced to North America in the 1700s as an ornamental plant.
The Botanical Identity and Growth Habits
Creeping myrtle is a trailing perennial vine belonging to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, and is native to Eurasia. The plant features glossy, dark green leaves that remain on the vine year-round, providing dense, evergreen coverage. In the spring, it produces small, five-petaled, lavender-blue or white flowers.
The plant’s success as a groundcover stems from its ability to propagate rapidly through vegetative means. Its slender stems, called stolons, trail along the ground and root wherever the nodes come into contact with the soil. This rooting habit allows it to spread quickly, forming a thick, dense mat that can cover a wide area. Creeping myrtle is highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions. It thrives particularly well in partial shade or dappled sunlight, allowing it to flourish in forest understories where other plants struggle.
Why Creeping Myrtle Earns the Invasive Label
The term “invasive” applies to Vinca minor because it is a non-native species that causes environmental harm by disrupting local ecosystems. The dense, continuous mats formed by its spreading stolons effectively smother and displace native herbaceous plants and tree seedlings. This aggressive growth leads to the formation of a monoculture, which significantly reduces the biodiversity of the forest floor.
Creeping myrtle competes directly with native flora for essential resources like moisture, sunlight, and soil nutrients. Its evergreen foliage gives it an advantage, allowing it to begin photosynthesis earlier in the spring than many native deciduous plants. The plant may also possess allelopathic properties, producing biochemicals that inhibit the germination and growth of other species. When it escapes into natural areas, especially woodlands and riparian zones, it alters the habitat structure and reduces the forage available to local wildlife.
Control and Removal Strategies
For small, contained patches, manual removal is a feasible option, though it requires persistence and careful effort. The best time for hand-pulling is when the soil is damp and pliable, making it easier to unearth the roots and runners. It is important to trace the trailing stems back to their rooting points and pull gently to ensure all roots are removed, as any small segment left behind can re-sprout.
For larger infestations, solarization or covering is an effective non-chemical method that deprives the plant of light. After cutting the vines back to the ground, the area should be covered with a light-proof tarp or thick plastic for a minimum of four to six months. Due to the persistent root system of Vinca minor, complete eradication may require covering for a year or more.
Chemical control typically involves a systemic herbicide containing glyphosate, applied when the plant is actively growing. Because the leaves of creeping myrtle are waxy, adding a surfactant helps the chemical adhere to and penetrate the foliage. It is recommended to mow or trim the patch first and then apply the herbicide to the new, tender growth that emerges. Applicators must take care to avoid contact with desirable plants, as glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide.
Recommended Non-Aggressive Groundcover Alternatives
Canadian Wild Ginger
For shady spots, Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is an excellent choice. It provides large, heart-shaped leaves and forms colonies via slow-spreading rhizomes. This plant is well-suited to moist, wooded environments, and its foliage offers a rich, deep green texture.
Woodland Phlox
Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) is another suitable alternative for dappled shade areas. It offers semi-evergreen foliage and attractive lavender-blue flowers in the spring. Unlike the aggressive growth of Vinca minor, woodland phlox has a slow, manageable spreading habit that benefits local pollinators.
Wild Stonecrop
For a drought-tolerant, sun-to-shade option, wild stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) is a low-growing, succulent perennial. It provides dense, evergreen coverage and is adaptable to both sun and shade. These options provide the desired aesthetic and function while supporting local ecosystems.