SafePlants

Pacific False Bindweed (Calystegia purpurata)

Pacific False Bindweed, scientifically known as Calystegia purpurata, is a captivating member of the morning glory family. This perennial herbaceous vine, endemic to California, graces the landscape with its twining stems and delicate blooms.

Common Names

• Pacific False Bindweed
• Purple Western Morning Glory
• Smooth Western Morning Glory
• Western Morning-Glory

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory family)
• Subspecies: Calystegia purpurata subsp. purpurata
• Synonym: Convolvulus occidentalis var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell
• Other Calystegia species mentioned: Calystegia sepium (Large Bindweed), Calystegia atriplicifolia (Nightblooming False Bindweed), Calystegia macounii (Macoun's False Bindweed), Calystegia spithamaea (Low False Bindweed), Calystegia silvatica (Shortstalk False Bindweed), Calystegia affinis, Calystegia pellita (Hairy Bindweed), Calystegia pubescens

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to California.
• Found in coastal areas.
• Observed in locations such as Santa Margarita, Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve (Oakland, CA), Salt Point State Park, Topanga State Park, and Samuel P. Taylor State Park.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial herbaceous vine.
• Twining growth habit.
• Rhizomatous, several-stemmed at the base.
• Flowers are described as pink or purplish and are related to morning glories, with heart-like leaves.
• 'Bolinas' variety grows to an average height of 10 ft.

Ecological Role

• Can form a thick ground cover.
• Climbs into the canopy of woody plants.

Considerations for Pets

• As a relative of morning glories, the plant's seeds may be of concern and should be avoided.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's tendency to grow as a vine might present a tripping hazard.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• May grow in proximity to Toxicodendron diversiloba (Pacific poison oak).
• Can co-exist with plants like yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and hairy bird's-beak (Cordylanthus pilosus).

Quirky Facts

• While often called "bindweed," which can have negative connotations due to invasive species, Pacific False Bindweed is a native plant in California and "deserves to be included" in local landscapes.