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Sea Bindweed

Calystegia soldanella

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Solanales
Family:
Convolvulaceae (Bindweed)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
1 metre long
Habitats:
Beaches, sand dunes, seaside.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
The pink flowers are trumpet-shaped with 5 white stripes. The centre of the flowers are yellowish. Flowers are between 3.5 and 5cm across. Insect pollinated.
Fruit:
A smooth, globular capsule, up to 2cm across.
Leaves:
Sea Bindweed is a trailing perennial plant with fleshy kidney-shaped leaves.
Other Names:
Beach Morning Glory, Seashore False Bindweed, Seaside Bindweed, Shore Bindweed, Shore Convolvulus.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Calystegia soldanella, also known as seashore false bindweed or seaside bindweed, is a perennial plant native to coastal regions of Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Convolvulaceae family and is closely related to plants such as morning glories and sweet potatoes. Seashore false bindweed is characterized by its large, heart-shaped leaves and white or pink flowers that resemble those of field bindweed (Fallopia dumetorum). It is a herbaceous plant that grows in sandy or gravelly soils and is often found on beaches and dunes. Seashore false bindweed is not considered an invasive species and is not known to cause significant damage to crops or other plants. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and large, distinctive leaves.

Blog

Sea Bindweed, also known as Calystegia soldanella, is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to the coastal areas of Europe, Africa and Asia and is often found growing on rocky shores and in sand dunes.

This plant is known for its unique, liana-like growth habit and its attractive flowers, which are trumpet-shaped and range in color from pink to white. The leaves are large and green, with a slightly succulent texture.

Sea Bindweed is a hardy plant that is well-adapted to life in coastal environments. It can withstand strong winds and salt spray, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens. Despite its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, Sea Bindweed is not commonly found in cultivation and is often overlooked by gardeners.

One of the key benefits of growing Sea Bindweed is its ability to stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion. This makes it an important plant for conserving coastal ecosystems and preserving habitats for wildlife.

In addition to its environmental benefits, Sea Bindweed also has medicinal properties. The plant is said to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of conditions, including skin disorders, respiratory problems and digestive issues.

Despite its many benefits, Sea Bindweed can be difficult to grow from seed and is best propagated from cuttings. It should be planted in a well-drained soil and given plenty of sun and moisture. With the right care, Sea Bindweed can grow up to six meters long and make a beautiful addition to any coastal garden.

Sea Bindweed is not only a valuable plant for coastal ecosystems, but it also has ornamental value as well. In addition to its trumpet-shaped flowers and large green leaves, Sea Bindweed also produces attractive seed pods that are a unique feature of the plant.

In some parts of the world, Sea Bindweed is used as a traditional food source. In Europe, for example, the leaves of the plant have been used to make a type of vegetable soup. The plant is also known to be an important food source for wildlife, including birds and insects.

Despite its many benefits, Sea Bindweed is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, particularly in North America. The plant is highly aggressive and can quickly spread and outcompete native vegetation. Gardeners and conservationists should be mindful of this when planting Sea Bindweed and take steps to prevent its spread into natural areas.

Overall, Sea Bindweed is a fascinating and important plant that offers a range of benefits to coastal ecosystems and people. Whether you're a gardener looking to add some unique beauty to your landscape, or a conservationist working to protect coastal habitats, Sea Bindweed is well worth considering.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, Sea Bindweed has also been used in textile production. The stems of the plant are rich in fibers and have been used to make ropes, fishing nets and other textiles.

Due to its salt tolerance and ability to thrive in harsh coastal environments, Sea Bindweed is an important plant for coastal rehabilitation and restoration projects. It can help to stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion, making it an effective tool for restoring degraded coastal ecosystems.

In some parts of the world, Sea Bindweed is also used for dune stabilization and erosion control in landscaping and construction projects. The plant's deep roots and liana-like growth habit make it an effective tool for preventing soil erosion and protecting property from the damaging effects of wind and water.

Finally, Sea Bindweed is an important source of nectar for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and moths. This makes it a valuable addition to any coastal garden, and an important tool for promoting biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems.

In conclusion, Sea Bindweed is a valuable plant with a wide range of uses and benefits. Whether you're a gardener, conservationist, landscaper or simply someone who loves coastal ecosystems, Sea Bindweed is a plant that deserves your attention.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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