Sea Bindweed, Seashore false bindweed
Calystegia soldanella

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

Calystegia soldanella is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August. 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): 0.6

Where it is found

Sandy and shingly sea shores and dunes.

Coastal areas of Europe, including Britain, N. Africa, Asia, N. and S. America and Australasia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - cooked as a vegetable or pickled and used as a samphire substitute. Caution is advised since the plant might have a purgative effect.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antiscorbutic, diuretic, febrifuge, irritant, purgative and vermifuge.

Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.

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

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Irritant: Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Other

Rating:

The stems are very flexible and are used as a string for tying. Fairly strong but not long-lasting.

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.

How it is grown

Easily grown in ordinary well-drained garden soil in a sunny position. This species is very difficult to establish successfully in the garden.

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: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial Climber

Hardiness: 5-9

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

Convolvulus soldanella.