Calystegia sepium - Hedge Bindweed (Convolvulaceae)

This is hedge bindweed, and a very difficult plant it is to eradicate from gardens. The roots travel great distances and are extremely fragile; but even a small piece of root will produce a new plant. There are several subspecies.

Hedge Bindweed

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) has smaller flowers than Hedge Bindweed, and they are generally pink, with or without white stripes, but just occasionally they may be entirely white.

Other far more colourful members of this family grow throughout Europe, and the Mediterranean region in particular. My favourite of these is Convolvulus tricolor. It is found on farmed land and, no doubt, the farmers do not share my enthusiasm for it.

All of the bindweeds are anti-clockwise twining climbers.