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Calystegia spithamaea (Low False Bindweed)

Calystegia spithamaea, commonly known as Low False Bindweed, is a perennial vine belonging to the bindweed or morning glory family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Bindweed or Morning Glory Family)
• Genus: Calystegia
• Species: spithamaea
• Synonyms: Convolvulus spithamaeus L.
• Subspecies:
  • Calystegia spithamaea subsp. spithamaea
  • Calystegia spithamaea ssp. purshiana
  • Calystegia spithamaea subsp. stans
• Common Names: Low False Bindweed, Low Bindweed, Upright Bindweed, Erect Bindweed, Dwarf Bindweed

Distribution and Habitat

Calystegia spithamaea is native to central and eastern North America. In New England, it can be found growing in sandy and gravelly soils. It has been reported growing in shale barrens in Allegany Co., Maryland. It is also found between Gatineau and other locations.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Calystegia spithamaea is a perennial forb/herb and can be described as a vine.
• Calystegia sepium is mentioned as a perennial climber growing up to 3 meters.
• The flowers are funnel-shaped, white or rarely pink, 2 to 3 inches across with 5 shallow lobes at the tip.
• Similar species, such as Low Bindweed, have erect, finely hairy characteristics.

Ecological Role

While not explicitly stated as invasive, it is important to monitor its growth, especially in regions where it is not native.

Other Notable Species

• Calystegia collina (Greene) Brummitt – coast range false bindweed
• Calystegia stebbinsii Stebbins’s False Bindweed, Upright Bindweed
• Calystegia sepium (Hedge False Bindweed)
• Calystegia soldanella (Seashore False Bindweed or Beach Morning Glory)
• Calystegia subacaulis Hillside False Bindweed
• Calystegia hederacea Japanese False Bindweed
• Calystegia pubescens
• Calystegia silvatica Shortstalk False Bindweed