Japanese Bindweed
Calystegia pubescens

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

Calystegia pubescens is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Sunny grassy places and thickets in lowland all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - cooked. Said to be purgative. Young shoots - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The flowers are diuretic, they are helpful in cases of diabetes. The plant is demulcent, diuretic and tonic. It is also used as a tonic to correct broken bones and tendons.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in ordinary garden soil in a sunny position, but plants are apt to become invasive. Nearly all taxa in Calystegia intergrade geographically into neighboring taxa with the exception of the widespread coastal species, C. soldanella (Linnaeus) R. Brown. It is impossible to draw clearly defined specific limits, and intermediate forms are always found where two taxa approximate geographically.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame in a free draining compost and only just cover. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring whilst dormant.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial Climber

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

This species is said to be purgative, some caution is advised.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. subvolubilis. non Don.