SafePlants

Calystegia: Bindweed, False Bindweed, or Morning Glory

Calystegia is a genus encompassing approximately 25 species of flowering plants belonging to the bindweed family, Convolvulaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Calystegia
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Bindweed family)
• Order: Solanales
• Synonyms (for specific species):
  • Convolvulus soldanella (synonym for Calystegia soldanella)
• Subspecies (examples):
  • Calystegia sepium ssp. americana
  • Calystegia sepium ssp. angulata
  • Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium
  • Calystegia occidentalis ssp. fulcrata

Common Names

• Bindweed
• False Bindweed
• Morning Glory
• Seashore False Bindweed
• Shore Bindweed
• Shore Convolvulus
• Beach Morning Glory
• Hedge False Bindweed
• Hedge Bindweed
• Bellbine
• Rutland Beauty
• Greater Bindweed
• Wild Morning Glory
• Pacific False Bindweed
• Nightblooming False Bindweed
• Coast Range False Bindweed
• Hillside Morning Glory
• Island False Bindweed
• Low False Bindweed

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in various regions, including Europe (e.g., seaside sand for Calystegia soldanella), central USA, and coastal areas.
• Frequently found in ditches, fencelines, and roadsides.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Growth Habit: Forb/herb, Vine
• Perennial
• Some species are climbers, growing rapidly to 3 meters (approximately 9 feet 10 inches).
• Hedge False Bindweed can grow to 10 feet (3 meters) and possesses large rhizomatous root systems.
• Flowers can range in size, with Hedge False Bindweed flowers measuring 2 1/2 to 3 inches (6.3 - 7.6 cm).
• Flower color varies, including white, pinkish, and deep pink (e.g., 5-cm blooms in Calystegia soldanella).
• Leaves of Calystegia soldanella are described as fleshy and kidney-shaped.

Ecological Role

• Some species, like Hedge False Bindweed, are considered serious weeds.