Dog-strangling Vine aka Pale Swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) at the FWG Photo Gallery by Fletcher Wildlife Garden at pbase.com

Dog-strangling Vine aka Pale Swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) at the FWG

Dog-strangling vine (DSV) is also called pale swallowwort. It is native to the Ukraine where it is relatively scarce. In northeastern North America, it has become a serious invasive species. Because it has no natural enemies, is not deterred by cold winters, can grow in both sun and shade, and a variety of soil conditions, it has been able to spread quickly. The impact of DSV on native ecosystems is particularly insidious. Control methods used include pulling, scything, cutting, mowing, and in some areas, not at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, fire and use of herbicides. Digging only works on very small infestations, as the root system is large and dense and any root left in the soil will quickly regrow. Rototilling small areas, and sifting the soil to remove any bits of DSV root seems to be effective, IF the area is then quickly planted with other more desirable species. For more information on this plant, a Google search will throw up numerous articles. You can also check out our FWG information here in English and in French:
http://www.ofnc.ca/fletcher/invasives/swallowwort/fact-sheet_e.pdf
http://www.ofnc.ca/fletcher/invasives/swallowwort/fact-sheet_f.pdf

Moth caterpillar Hypena opulenta	Moth caterpillar Hypena opulenta	DSV leaves chewed by Hypena opulenta caterpillar	Hypena opulenta damage on DSV leaves
Parsnip webworm (Depressaria pastinacella) for comparison with Hypena opulenta caterpillar	Hypena opulenta moth caterpillar, later instar	Hypena opulenta moth caterpillar, later instar	Hypena opulenta moth caterpillar, early instar
No dog-strangling vine (DSV)!!	New growth of DSV	DSV flowers	DSV flowers
White and maroon flowers	Twining habit of DSV	DSV growing in shade	Large stand of DSV
A mass of DSV plants	Unopened DSV seed pods	Fresh (immature) DSV seeds in pod	Mature DSV seeds
DSVseed fluff	Dry dsv draping over other vegetation	DSV root crown	DSV root crown
DSV leaf showing damage	DSV leaf showing damage	DSV leaves showing insect damage

comment

Dave Casson		29-Jul-2023 18:31
We are in a family island in the St Lawrence at the extreme west end the prevailing winds of dissemination are South West providing a good chance for success with Hypena. We have spent 6 years fighting it with some but limited success. How do we sign up to get Hypena so that we can build a sustainable population. Horseshoe Island is 87 ac and DSV monoculture occupy 4.8 ac.

Marcel Beauchamp		16-Feb-2016 12:22
I realize it may be too early to tell, but based on the current status of this project, does it look like Hypena will be successful at controlling and diminishing populations of DSV? And where can one obtain some? I have some DSV on my five acre property and it's spreading quickly. I try to control it by cutting it back when it's in flower and before the seed pods ripen. I also know of a conservation area nearby with an aggressive population of DSV. I'm concerned that it will spread in nearby farmland hedgerows (if it hasn't already). Would you consider establishing another test site about 50 kms southeast of Ottawa?

Guest		05-Jul-2014 15:35
Excellent series of photos and information about DSV , Christine. Thanks for showing us what the new biocontrol Hypena moth caterpillar looks like. Lets all hope it is successful in controlling this nasty plant. Claudia

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