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Convolvulus arvensis - L.

Common Name Field Bindweed
Family Convolvulaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Hedgerows, fields, waste places, fences etc[7, 100], it can be a troublesome weed of agriculture.
Range Throughout the temperate regions of both Hemishperes, including Britain.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:104_Convolvulus_arvensis.jpg
Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Farbenfreude

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Convolvulus arvensis is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The plant has been used as a flavouring in a liqueur called 'Noyeau'[2]. No details are given as to which part of the plant is used[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

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  Diuretic  Laxative  Purgative  Stings  Women's complaints

The root, and also a resin made from the root, is cholagogue, diuretic, laxative and strongly purgative[4, 7. 9. 13, 240]. The dried root contains 4.9% resin[240]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of fevers[272]. A tea made from the flowers is laxative and is also used in the treatment of fevers and wounds[222]. A cold tea made from the leaves is laxative and is also used as a wash for spider bites or taken internally to reduce excessive menstrual flow[222, 257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  String

The stem is used as a twine for tying up plants etc[6, 99]. It is fairly flexible and strong but not long-lasting. A green dye is obtained from the whole plant[168].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a lighter basic soil[17] of low to medium fertility[200]. Bindweed is a very deep-rooting plant with a vigorous root system that extends to a considerable distance and is very hard to eradicate from the soil. Even a small piece of the root will grow into a new plant if it is left in the ground. Once established this plant soon becomes a pernicious weed[1, 4]. It is a climbing plant that supports itself by twining around any support it can find and can soon swamp and strangle other plants[4]. The flowers close at night and also during rainy weather[4]. Although visited by numerous insects, the flowers seldom set fertile seed[4]. On sunny days the flowers diffuse a scent of heliotrope[245]. The plant harbours tobacco mosaic virus of the Solanaceae[13] and so should not be grown near potatoes, tomatoes and other members of that family.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe, it germinates in the autumn[164]. This species can become a real pest in the garden so it is unwise to encourage it.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

bindweed, chardvel. Spanish: campanilla; correguela. French: liseron des champs; petit lizet. Portuguese: corriola. Germany: Ackerwinde. India: Bhoomi chakra poondu; Hirankhuri; Pohi. Iran: Pichak. Iraq: Illake. Italy: Vilucchio dei campi. Japan: Seiyo hirugao. Mexico: Correlunela. Myanmar: Kauk-yo-nive. Netherlands: Akkerwinde. Sweden: Aakervinda. Thailand: Phak-bung-ruam.

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Cyprus, Egypt (Sinai), Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan), Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur, Sakhalin), China (Anhui Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Ningxia Huizi Zizhiqu, Qinghai Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Xizang Zizhiqu) TROPICAL ASIA: Nepal, Pakistan EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Romania, Spain (incl. Baleares), France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

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. Field bindweed intertwines and topples native species. It competes with other species for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. It is noted as invasive in 22 US States. A serious weed in temperate and Mediterranean environments but has a lesser impact in tropical regions.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Convolvulus erubescensAustralian Bindweed, Pinkflower bindweedPerennial Climber2.0 0-0  LMSNDM01 
Convolvulus scammoniaScammonyPerennial0.8 6-9  LMNDM02 
Convolvulus tricolorDwarf Morning Glory, Bush Morning GloryAnnual/Perennial0.3 8-11 MLMHNDM00 
Polygonum convolvulusBlack BindweedAnnual1.2 0-0  LMHSNM100

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

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

Readers comment

   Thu Dec 30 07:14:24 2004

This plant is found in Malta/Mediterranean basin/Europe

More comprehensive details, medicinal properties, uses, botanical data, plant description and photogallery of high resolutions photos of this plant can be seen on an interesting website about the wild plants of Malta: www.maltawildplants.com

Link: Malta Wild Plants Website and photography by Stephen Mifsud, Malta

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