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Hedge Bindweed

Calystegia sepium
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Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed) — botanical photograph
Pl. D968 — Calystegia sepium
Calystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepiumCalystegia sepium
I

Overview

Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) is a perennial vine native to a wide range of regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay), with a moisture level that is moist. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, it can grow up to 3 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, roots, and shoots, Hedge Bindweed is both ornamental and useful as a food source. Its native range includes Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Alberta, Algeria, and many other locations across the globe. This plant's adaptability makes it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes in appropriate climates. While it is generally safe to consume, caution should be exercised when identifying and preparing parts of the plant for food.

Quick answers

What is Hedge Bindweed?

Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) is a perennial vine native to a wide range of regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay), with a moisture level that is moist.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Hedge Bindweed thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 3 meters tall. This perennial vine is native to a wide range of regions, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division. Harvest the leaves, roots, and shoots for edible use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb, Vine
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Hedge Bindweed for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Hedge Bindweed in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, garden soil, a trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep. Transplant young plants in the garden.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun or partial shade, water when dry, and mulch to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune vines in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without drainage, neglecting regular pruning.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: The hedge bindweed is edible and can be consumed in various forms. Its leaves, shoots, and roots are typically harvested and prepared either raw or cooked. The plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil and full sun to partial shade. While the parts of the plant can be eaten fresh, they are often boiled or steamed to enhance their flavor and texture.
Other uses:Weaving material
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

136 native · 16 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 136 native· 16 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia11 regions
native (11)AfghanistanChinaGeorgiaIranJapanKazakhstanPalestineSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Americas2 regions
native (1)Peru
introduced (1)Uruguay
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, California, Cape Provinces, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, East Aegean Is., Easter Is., Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Mexico Northwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tadzhikistan, Tennessee, Texas, Transcaucasus, Tristan da Cunha, Turkey-in-Europe, Utah, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Western Australia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Chatham Is., Chile Central, Chile South, Chita, Desventurados Is., Kermadec Is., Kuril Is., South Australia, Tasmania
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed) — botanical photograph
Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium)
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

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