Sea Bindweed, Seashore false bindweed

Calystegia soldanella

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked as a vegetable or pickled and used as a samphire substitute[2, 105]. Caution is advised since the plant might have a purgative effect[173].

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Diuretic Febrifuge Irritant Purgative Vermifuge Antiscorbutic, diuretic, febrifuge, irritant, purgative and vermifuge[218].

Known Hazards

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