Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) is an evergreen trailing perennial in the Apocynaceae family native to Europe. It forms glossy mats of dark green leaves with blue-violet flowers, and the aerial parts are the parts most commonly referenced in older herbal texts.
Although lesser periwinkle appeared in traditional European herbals, it is better known today as an ornamental groundcover. Because the plant contains active compounds and is not considered a casual culinary herb, it should be discussed with stronger safety emphasis than many common garden plants.
