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bindweed

Scientific Name: Convolvulus

Family: Convolvulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

Field bindweed, also known simply as bindweed, is a persistent and widespread perennial weed that can be challenging to manage in gardens and cultivated areas.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text indicates that bindweed contains cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. While moderate consumption is reportedly harmless for tortoises, caution is advised, and enclosures should be cleared of excessive amounts of bindweed.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the climbing habit of bindweed, with vines that wrap tightly around plants and objects. This could present a tripping hazard if growing in areas frequented by children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Convolvulus arvensis
  • Common Names: Bindweed, Field Bindweed, Bellbine (for Calystegia sepium, or Hedge Bindweed)
  • Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Tree: Domain: Eukaryota, Kingdom: Plantae

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Europe and Asia.
  • Found throughout England, Wales.
  • Introduced to North America, with documentation in California (San Diego) as early as 1884.
  • Commonly found in cultivated land, roadsides, railways, grass banks, short turf, dunes, and hedgerows.
  • Also noted as a problem in Colorado lawns and Oregon.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a top garden weed pest.
  • Known to twine around other plants, effectively smothering them.
  • Classified as an invasive species in some regions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A climbing vine with thin, thread-like vines.
  • Leaves are typically arrowhead-shaped.
  • Flowers are trumpet-shaped, often pinkish-white, with some variations in color banding (pink with white bands or white with pink bands).
  • Perennial plant with an extensive root system that can reach depths of 20 to 30 feet.
  • Seedlings are erect and sturdy, especially in full sunlight.
  • Spreads by creeping in every direction, often growing in circles.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Climbs upright plants, binding them together within a colony or patch.
  • Tortoises may consume bindweed.

Further Information

  • BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
  • Roundup Weedkiller products
  • Bayer CropScience
  • Utah State University, Bugwood.org