Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Convolvulaceae (Bindweed)
Maximum Size:
3 metres tall
Habitats:
Disturbed ground, fens, hedgerows, roadsides, woodland.
Usually pure white but occasionally pink with 5 white stripes, up to 6cm, trumpet-shaped. Sepals often purple tinged and only half-covered by two large bracts. Often hybridizes with Hedge Bindweed making identification difficult.
Fruit:
A capsule which contains 1 to 4 seeds, rarely more than 1cm long.
Leaves:
Long stalked, arrow-shaped leaves and sharp-tipped, not hairy. The bases of the leaves have angled lobes.
Other Names:
Appalachia False Bindweed, Bearbind, Bearbine, Bellbind, Belle of the Ball, Bethbine, Bine Lilies, Bingham's False Bindweed, Bride's Gown, Bugle Vine, Cornbine, Daddy White-Shirt, Devil's Nightcap, Field Convolvulus, Gramophones, Grandma's Nightcap, Granny-pop-out-of-bed, Granny's Night Bonnet, Greater Bindweed, Heavenly Trumpets, Hedge Bell, Hedge False Bindweed, Hedgemaids, Hedge-Strangler, Hell Weed, Holland Smocks, Hooded Bindweed, Lady's Nightcap, Lady's Smock, Larger Sunshade, London Bells, Old Man's Nightcap, Pink Bindweed, Ropewind, Rutland Beauty, Wedlock, White Witches Hat, Wild Convolvulus, Wild Morning Glory, Withybind, Withyweed, Withywind.
Summary
Calystegia sepium, also known as hedge bindweed or hedgemaids, is a perennial vine native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the Convolvulaceae family and is closely related to plants such as morning glories and sweet potatoes. Hedge bindweed is characterized by its white or pink flowers and arrow-shaped leaves. It is a highly invasive plant that is often considered a weed in many parts of the world due to its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation. Hedge bindweed is difficult to control due to its deep root system and can cause significant damage to crops and other plants. It is also toxic to livestock and can cause serious health issues if ingested.
Blog
Hedge Bindweed: A Perennial Plant Worth Understanding
Hedge bindweed, also known as Calystegia sepium, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a fast-growing, climbing or trailing vine that is native to Europe but has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, where it is considered an invasive weed.
Appearance
Hedge bindweed has small, white or pink trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from June to September. The leaves are oval or heart-shaped, and the stems are flexible and can grow up to 10 feet in length. The roots are deep and can penetrate soil to a depth of up to 10 feet.
Invasiveness
Hedge bindweed is considered an invasive weed because it spreads quickly and can grow in dense mats that can smother other plants. The deep roots also make it difficult to control as the plant will quickly regrow if not all of the roots are removed.
Control Methods
There are several methods for controlling hedge bindweed, including:
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Hand-pulling: This is an effective method for controlling small infestations. Make sure to remove all of the roots as they will regrow if left in the soil.
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Herbicides: Herbicides such as glyphosate can be effective in controlling hedge bindweed, but care must be taken to avoid damaging non-target plants.
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Mowing: Mowing can help control the spread of hedge bindweed, but the plant will regrow from the roots, so it is not a long-term solution.
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Competition: Planting other, more desirable species can help control hedge bindweed by competing for resources such as light, water, and nutrients.
Conclusion
Hedge bindweed is a fast-growing, invasive weed that can be difficult to control. Understanding its growth habit and methods of control can help in managing and preventing its spread. With proper management, hedge bindweed can be controlled, allowing for the growth of other, more desirable plant species.
More Information
In addition to its invasiveness, hedge bindweed is also a problem because of its climbing habit. The vines can grow over other plants and shrubs, shading them and reducing their growth. This can lead to a decline in the overall health of the affected area, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
Hedge bindweed is also toxic to livestock, such as horses and cattle, and can cause digestive problems if consumed in large quantities. The plant also contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of other plants, making it difficult to grow crops in areas that are heavily infested.
Another issue with hedge bindweed is that it is often confused with other similar-looking plants, such as morning glory, which are not invasive. This can lead to mismanagement of the weed, making it difficult to control.
It is important to properly identify hedge bindweed and take appropriate measures to control its spread. This may include removing the plant by hand, applying herbicides, planting more desirable species, or using a combination of these methods. Preventing the spread of hedge bindweed is crucial for maintaining a healthy, diverse ecosystem and avoiding negative impacts on agriculture and livestock.
There are also some cultural methods that can be used to manage hedge bindweed. For example, maintaining healthy, well-established plants can help reduce the spread of the weed. This can be achieved through proper soil management, including adding organic matter, maintaining soil moisture levels, and avoiding soil compaction.
Another cultural method is crop rotation, which can help reduce the spread of hedge bindweed. By rotating crops, you can help reduce the amount of time that the soil is bare, which can help reduce the spread of the weed. Additionally, planting cover crops can also help reduce the spread of hedge bindweed by competing for resources such as light, water, and nutrients.
In addition, monitoring the growth of hedge bindweed is important for early detection and control. This can be done by regularly walking through the area and monitoring for new plants, or by using remote sensing techniques, such as aerial imagery or satellite data, to detect new infestations.
Finally, it is important to prevent the spread of hedge bindweed through the movement of soil, seeds, or plants. This can be done by thoroughly cleaning equipment, such as tractors and tillers, after use in infested areas and by avoiding the movement of soil, seeds, or plants from infested areas to non-infested areas.
In conclusion, managing hedge bindweed requires a combination of control methods, including cultural, chemical, and monitoring methods. By understanding the growth habit and invasiveness of hedge bindweed and using a combination of methods, it is possible to effectively manage this persistent weed and prevent its spread.
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