Hedge Bindweed, Hedge false bindweed, Appalachia false bindweed, Bingham's false bindweed

Calystegia sepium

Physical Characteristics

Calystegia sepium is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a fast rate. 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, excluding the north but including Britain, W. Asia, N. Africa and N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Stalks and root - cooked[2, 46, 128, 153]. Washed and steamed[179]. A pleasant sweet taste[178]. Rich in starch and sugars, it is very nutritious[179]. It should not be eaten regularly, however, due to its possible purgative effect[179]. Young shoots - cooked[46, 61, 105]. Some caution is advised since they are possibly purgative[179].

Medicinal Uses

Cholagogue Demulcent Diuretic Febrifuge Poultice Purgative The root is demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge, poultice and strongly purgative[9, 21, 178, 222]. Use of the root is believed to increase the flow of bile[222].

Known Hazards

This species is said to be purgative[173], some caution is advised.