Field Bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis
Family: Convolvulaceae
What it is like
Convolvulus arvensis is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Hedgerows, fields, waste places, fences etc, it can be a troublesome weed of agriculture.
Throughout the temperate regions of both Hemishperes, including Britain.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
This taxon has not yet been assessed
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The plant has been used as a flavouring in a liqueur called 'Noyeau'. No details are given as to which part of the plant is used.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root, and also a resin made from the root, is cholagogue, diuretic, laxative and strongly purgative. The dried root contains 4.9% resin. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of fevers. A tea made from the flowers is laxative and is also used in the treatment of fevers and wounds. A cold tea made from the leaves is laxative and is also used as a wash for spider bites or taken internally to reduce excessive menstrual flow.
Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Stings: Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating: 1
The stem is used as a twine for tying up plants etc. It is fairly flexible and strong but not long-lasting. A green dye is obtained from the whole plant.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
String: Plants that can be used for string or can be easily made into a string. See also Fibre. Plants for ropes may be included.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a lighter basic soil of low to medium fertility. Bindweed is a very deep-rooting plant with a vigorous root system that extends to a considerable distance and is very hard to eradicate from the soil. Even a small piece of the root will grow into a new plant if it is left in the ground. Once established this plant soon becomes a pernicious weed. It is a climbing plant that supports itself by twining around any support it can find and can soon swamp and strangle other plants. The flowers close at night and also during rainy weather. Although visited by numerous insects, the flowers seldom set fertile seed. On sunny days the flowers diffuse a scent of heliotrope. The plant harbours tobacco mosaic virus of the Solanaceae and so should not be grown near potatoes, tomatoes and other members of that family.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe, it germinates in the autumn. This species can become a real pest in the garden so it is unwise to encourage it.
Best place to grow: Hedgerow;
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Field bindweed intertwines and topples native species. It competes with other species for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. It is noted as invasive in 22 US States. A serious weed in temperate and Mediterranean environments but has a lesser impact in tropical regions.
Its other names
Local names
bindweed, chardvel. Spanish: campanilla; correguela. French: liseron des champs; petit lizet. Portuguese: corriola. Germany: Ackerwinde. India: Bhoomi chakra poondu; Hirankhuri; Pohi. Iran: Pichak. Iraq: Illake. Italy: Vilucchio dei campi. Japan: Seiyo hirugao. Mexico: Correlunela. Myanmar: Kauk-yo-nive. Netherlands: Akkerwinde. Sweden: Aakervinda. Thailand: Phak-bung-ruam.