Calystegia sepium - (L.)R.Br.

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

 
Calystegia sepium is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower from Jul to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Synonyms

Convolvulus sepium.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves;  Root.
Edible Uses:

Stalks and root - cooked[2, 46, 128, 153]. Washed and steamed[179]. A pleasant sweet taste[178]. Rich in starch and sugars, it is very nutritious[179]. It should not be eaten regularly, however, due to its possible purgative effect[179]. Young shoots - cooked[46, 61, 105]. Some caution is advised since they are possibly purgative[179].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Cholagogue;  Demulcent;  Diuretic;  Febrifuge;  Poultice;  Purgative.

The root is demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge, poultice and strongly purgative[9, 21, 178, 222]. Use of the root is believed to increase the flow of bile[222].

Other Uses

String.

The stems are very flexible and can be used as an emergency string for tying[6]. It is fairly strong but not very long-lasting[K].

Cultivation details

Easily grown in ordinary garden soil in a sunny position, but plants are apt to become invasive[1, 200]. Hedge bindweed is a troublesome garden weed, especially when growing on moist soils[1, 4]. The plant is a vigorous climber with annual shoots 3 metres or more long. These twine around other plants and can kill them by smothering them[4]. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate the plant because it has very deep roots and is capable of re-growing from any part of the root left in the ground. The flowers open in sunny weather and remain closed during dull weather[4]. Nearly all taxa in Calystegia intergrade geographically into neighboring taxa with the exception of the widespread coastal species, C. soldanella (Linnaeus) R. Brown. It is impossible to draw clearly defined specific limits, and intermediate forms are always found where two taxa approximate geographically[266].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame in a free draining compost and only just cover. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[138]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring whilst dormant[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Rutland beauty, bugle vine, heavenly trumpets, bellbind, bellvine, granny-pop-out-of-bed, greater bindweed, bearbind, hedge convolvulus, hooded bindweed, old man's nightcap, wild morning glory, bride's gown, wedlock (referring to the white gown-like flowers and the binding nature of the vine), white witches hat, belle of the ball,

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, France, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mediterranean, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

This plant can be weedy or invasive. Known to be invasive in Texas, USA (hedge bindweed - Noxious plant). Weedy in Kentucky, Nebraska, and parts of the East, West and South, USA.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Calystegia sepium. Status: Least Concern

Expert comment

Author

(L.)R.Br.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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