Black Bindweed
Polygonum convolvulusfam. Convolvulaceae
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Pl. 97C0 — Polygonum convolvulus
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IOverview
Overview
Black Bindweed (Polygonum convolvulus) is a vine-like herb that can grow up to 1.2 meters in height and thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria, this plant has spread across much of Europe and Asia. Known for its edible seeds, Black Bindweed is also found in parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central and South America. Its light energy rating suggests it prefers a sunny or partially shaded environment. This annual plant can be recognized by its distinctive climbing habit and is often encountered in various habitats across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Black Bindweed?
Black Bindweed (Polygonum convolvulus) is a vine-like herb that can grow up to 1.2 meters in height and thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria, this plant has spread across much of Europe and Asia.
What is Black Bindweed used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Black Bindweed
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Black Bindweed appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Black Bindweed support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Black Bindweed thrives in light to medium soils and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7. It is a vine that can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and requires moist conditions. This plant should be grown in full sun or partial shade. Propagate via seed, as it is an annual. Given its native range across temperate regions, Black Bindweed is hardy but may require protection in colder climates. Ensure the soil is well-draining yet consistently moist to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Bindweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Black Bindweed as a simple, low-maintenance vine for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7; ensure containers are at least 12 inches deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep, spacing them about 18 inches apart; for transplants, use young plants from a nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; provide light shade if direct sun is intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune occasionally for shape and health.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines to control growth and encourage new shoots; remove dead leaves and stems as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough support for the vine.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The Black Bindweed is edible and its seeds can be consumed. Typically, the seeds are harvested and prepared by drying before use in various culinary applications such as grinding into flour or incorporating them directly into dishes. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyPortugalRussiaSpain
Asia1 region
native (1)China
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEgypt
Broader regions
native:Føroyar, East Aegean Is., Chita, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Convolvulaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 97c022a2-6c6e-4eae-9901-c02fa5843fc5
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