August 22, 2006
Black Swallowwort, Cynanchum louisiae
These numerous spindle-shaped pods, are attached to black swallowwort vines that are climbing up a small ash tree. Soon the pods will open, allowing the white-tufted seeds to be distributed the far and wide by the wind. This very successful dispersal mode and a lack of natural enemies has made this introduced plant a serious threat at Fresh Pond Reservation and many other natural areas across Massachusetts.