Hedge Bindweed

calystegia sepium

Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) is a vigorous perennial climbing plant famous for its striking white, trumpet-shaped flowers. Belonging to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae), it is a master climber, wrapping its spiraling stems tightly around other plants, fences, and structures to reach sunlight. While admired for its beauty, it is often viewed as a persistent weed due to its aggressive growth habit and deep, invasive rhizomes that make it difficult to eradicate once established.

Habitat: Found in hedges, wasteland, woodland edges, and garden borders, especially in moist, nutrient-rich soils.

Appearance

Hedge Bindweed is characterized by its large, showy, funnel-shaped flowers, which are typically pure white but can sometimes feature light pink stripes. These blooms are usually 5 to 8 cm in diameter and are flanked at the base by two large, green, leafy bracts that partially overlap and conceal the sepals. Its leaves are alternate, bright green, and distinctly arrow-shaped with pointed tips and basal lobes. The vine-like stems are smooth, hairless, and can twist counter-clockwise around supports, reaching lengths of up to 4 meters.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSolanalesFamilyConvolvulaceaeGenusCalystegia

Hedge Bindweed

Interesting facts

Even a tiny fragment of its underground rhizome left in the soil can regenerate into a complete new plant, making it incredibly resilient.

Its flowers open fully on clear, sunny mornings but close tightly when it rains or during the night.

The plant climbs by wrapping its stems counter-clockwise around supports, completing a full circle rotation in under two hours during peak growth.

Special abilities

The stems grow in a spiraling, counter-clockwise direction to climb surrounding vegetation without the use of tendrils.

It possesses extensive underground rhizomes that can produce new shoots even if severed into tiny pieces, allowing it to recover from weeding.

The large green bracts enclosing the flower base protect developing buds from herbivores and harsh weather conditions.

Measurements & details

Length: 100-400 cm

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, hedge bindweed produces its own sugars using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil nutrients

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

eaten by

Convolvulus Hawk-moth

Agrius convolvuli

The caterpillars of this large moth feed on the leaves of the plant, while the adults drink its nectar.

mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits the flowers for nectar and pollen, acting as a key pollinator.

competitor

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Often grows in the same damp hedge habitats, competing for ground space and light.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Hedge Bindweed?

The easiest way to identify Hedge Bindweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Hedge Bindweed?

100-400 cm

What does Hedge Bindweed eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, hedge bindweed produces its own sugars using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.

Where is Hedge Bindweed usually found?

Found in hedges, wasteland, woodland edges, and garden borders, especially in moist, nutrient-rich soils.

How does Hedge Bindweed hunt?

Photosynthesis

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Where to spot

Park47 sightings11 species

Iowa, US

Lake Ahquabi State Park

Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing, Family Friendly, Accessible, Historic Structures, Iowa State Park, Birdwatching, Mountain Biking

You might spot White-Tailed Deer, American Bullfrog, and Cup Plant.

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