Cynanchum wilfordii, commonly known as Wilford’s swallowwort, is a perennial vine native to forest edges and slopes in East Asia, particularly in Korea, China, and Japan. It is characterized by its twining habit, heart-shaped leaves, and clusters of small, star-shaped, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters and spreads out to 1 meter wide. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance.

Wilford’s swallowwort is valued for its medicinal properties in traditional Korean medicine, where it is used to support women’s health. In cultivation, it is often grown for its attractive foliage and as an ornamental vine in gardens, where it can be trained on trellises or allowed to spread as ground cover. It prefers well-drained soils, tolerates a range of soil types, and thrives in partial shade, although it can also adapt to full sun if moisture is consistent. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread and should manage its growth accordingly to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0