Black bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus)

Black bindweed

Also known as: Cornbind, Climbing buckwheat

There is evidence the seeds of black bindweed were collected by bronze-age Eurasians. Today, this plant is mostly considered a weed and is especially damaging because of its tendency to entangle itself around other plants. This is not only obnoxious for gardeners but can also impede the harvesting of commercial crops. Black bindweed can be found nearly anywhere, from sea level to high in the Himalayas.

Scientific classification

Species

Black bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

1 m

Plant Height

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Black bindweed

Distribution of Black bindweed

Distribution Map

Black bindweed is native to Europe and Asia including the Mediterranean. It is found in open areas and disturbed ground. It has been introduced to southern Africa and the Americas. Black bindweed is invasive in Cuba, Oceania, New Caledonia, and the Dominican Republic. It is a noxious weed in Canada, and a serious weed in 40 other countries.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Disturbed or cultivated land, crops, waste areas, roadsides, garden

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Uncertainty, I want Your Support, Bonds; Dead Hope

Name Story

Black bindweed: The plant is capable of twining about the stems of adjacent plants and the wire fence. Interestingly, it twines in the clockwise direction on the stems of other plants. It may be because of the black seeds, it is called black bindweed.

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Toxicity

Consumption of Fallopia genus may cause sensitivity to light and contains oxalic acid, which can bind calcium and cause deficiency. People with rheumatism, gout, kidney stones, arthritis, or hyperacidity should exercise caution.

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Weed Control

Black bindweed is considered a serious weed in vegetable and cereal crops and also grows in gardens and the waste areas of orchards. It is an invasive species in North America, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. In a crop or garden, it can not only strangle other plants it wraps itself around but also hinders harvesting. The weed reduces crop yields by competing for resources, threatens native species and contaminates wheat. To stop its spread, sever the stems and pull out the roots by hand. Herbicides can help control larger weed populations.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of the black bindweed plant is late spring and early summer, before it has the chance to bloom and distribute its seeds.

Hand Pulling: Dig around the base of the black bindweed plant with a garden spade to loosen the soil and gently pull it out from the root. Be careful not to leave any fragments as they can re-grow into new plants.
Smothering: Cut the black bindweed plant as close to the ground as possible and cover it with a thick layer of organic matter such as grass clippings or compost, layer a sheet of newspaper or cardboard on top, adding another layer of organic matter on top. This blocks the sunlight and starves the plant of necessary nutrients to grow.
Solarization: This method works best in summer. Cut the black bindweed as close to the ground as possible. Wet the area, then cover it with a transparent plastic sheet, sealing the edges with soil. The sunlight heats up the soil underneath to temperatures that can kill the plant and its seeds.
Vinegar Solution: Spray a solution of 10% vinegar and a few drops of dish soap on the black bindweed plant on a hot sunny day. The vinegar will burn the leaves and the dish soap will make the solution stick to the leaves. Make sure to apply it when there is no chance of rain for at least 48 hours.
Plant Competitors: Plant competitive species around the black bindweed plant. Choose plants that will outgrow the black bindweed plant and take their nutrients, light, and water.

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Care Guide for Black bindweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Black bindweed thrives in moderate climates with consistent moisture, preferring evenly moist soil and showing moderate drought tolerance. Weekly watering is essential for optimal hydration. Primarily cultivated outdoors, it benefits from natural rainfall, making it suitable for temperate zones.

Propagation: Black bindweed is propagated by sowing seeds in spring. It has an easy difficulty level, with successful sprouting indicated by green shoots. For successful growth, ensure good seed-to-soil contact and maintain consistent moisture.

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Images of Black bindweed

Distribution of Black bindweed

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Black bindweed

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