Vinca major is a trailing vine, spreading along the ground and rooting along the stems to form dense masses of groundcover individually 2–5 metres (6+1⁄2–16+1⁄2 ft) across and up to 25 centimetres (10 in) high, perhaps even 50–70 cm (20–28 in).

There are two subspecies, with geographically separate ranges: The genus name probably derives from the Latin word vincire, meaning snip, as the long creeping vines were used to prepare garlands.

It is especially a common noxious weed 'smothering' native plants and diversity in riparian area and oak woodland habitats of coastal California.

It forms dense strands that envelop other plant life and can prevent saplings and shrubs from growing by blocking out the light.

[3] Vinca major is a commonly grown ornamental plant in temperate gardens for its evergreen foliage, spring flowers, and groundcover or vine use.