SafePlants

Calystegia sepium: Hedge Bindweed and Its Many Names

Calystegia sepium, a perennial climber, is known by a multitude of common names, reflecting its widespread presence and distinctive growth habit. These include:

• Hedge Bindweed
• Hedge False Bindweed
• Large Bindweed
• Bellbine
• Rutland Beauty
• Wild Morning Glory
• Greater Bindweed
• Lady's-nightcap
• Old Man's Night Cap
• Devil's Guts
• Bearbind
• Hedgebell

It is also sometimes referred to simply as bindweed or morning glory.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: (Implied - Plantae)
• Group: Dicot
• Order: Solanales
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Bindweed or Morning Glory Family)
• Genus: Calystegia
• Species: Calystegia sepium
• Subspecies: Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium, Calystegia sepium ssp. americana, Calystegia sepium ssp. angulata, Calystegia sepium subsp. limnophila
• Synonyms: Convolvulus sepium
• Symbol: CASES (USDA PLANTS)

Distribution and Habitat

The Hedge False Bindweed is found across the globe in temperate regions. It can be found in ditches, fencelines and roadsides. While native to some areas (e.g., AK, I, CAN, N), it is considered exotic and invasive in others, including some locations in the United States (and considered exotic in Texas). It is found in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, as well as marshy areas.

Ecological Role

• Hedge False Bindweed can be a serious weed, indicating its potential to be invasive in certain environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Calystegia sepium is a perennial climber, growing rapidly to a height of up to 3 meters (approximately 10 feet).
• It possesses large rhizomatous root systems.
• The flowers are funnel-shaped, measuring 2 1/2 to 3 inches (6.3 - 7.6 cm) in diameter and come in white to pinkish colors.
• The vines have large, showy flowers with a triangular outline.