Hedge bindweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hedge bindweed |
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| Calystegia sepium | |
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Calystegia
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sepium
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Calystegia sepium, also known as hedge bindweed, is a common plant. People also call it Rutland beauty or heavenly trumpets. It used to be called Convolvulus sepium. This plant grows in many parts of the world. You can find it in cool areas of both the Northern and Southern parts of the Earth.
Contents
What is Hedge Bindweed?
Hedge bindweed is a type of plant that lives for many years. It has soft stems and grows by wrapping itself around other plants. It can grow quite tall, reaching up to 2 to 4 meters high. Sometimes, it can even grow to 5 meters! Its pale green leaves are shaped like arrowheads. They are about 5 to 10 centimeters long and 3 to 7 centimeters wide. The leaves grow in a spiral pattern around the stem.
Flowers and Seeds
The flowers of the hedge bindweed are usually white. Some can be pale pink with five darker stripes. They bloom from late spring until the end of summer. Before the flowers open, they are covered by large leaf-like parts called bracts. When the flower opens, it looks like a trumpet. These trumpet-shaped flowers are about 3 to 7 centimeters wide.
After the flower blooms, a round fruit grows. This fruit is about 1 centimeter wide. Inside, it holds two to four large, black seeds. These seeds look a bit like orange slices. The seeds spread easily and grow well in fields, along roads, and in open forests.
Different Types of Hedge Bindweed
There are several different types of hedge bindweed. Scientists call these "subspecies." They are found in different places around the world. For example, some types grow in North America, while others are found in Europe or Asia. Some types have pink flowers, especially those found near coasts.
Fun Names for the Plant
People have many fun names for hedge bindweed. Some call it "greater bindweed" or "wild morning glory." Other names include "bride's gown" and "wedlock." These names often refer to its white, gown-like flowers. They also describe how the vine wraps around things. In the UK, kids sometimes play a game with the flowers. They "pop" the flowers from their green bases while saying "Granny, granny — pop out of bed."
Why is it a Weed?
Even though hedge bindweed has pretty white flowers, it can be a problem. It grows very quickly and its vines cling tightly. Its large leaves can cover and pull down other plants. This includes garden shrubs and even small trees.
It spreads easily because its seeds can stay alive for up to 30 years! Also, its underground stems, called rhizomes, can grow very long. They can reach 3 to 4 meters in length. Because it spreads so fast and is hard to get rid of, it is often called a "noxious weed." This means it's a plant that causes harm, especially to farms or gardens.
Plants That Look Similar
Some other plants look a lot like hedge bindweed.
- Calystegia silvatica, or giant bindweed, is very similar. Some people even think it's just a type of hedge bindweed.
- Convolvulus arvensis, or Field Bindweed, is another vine that looks alike. But its leaves and flowers are much smaller.
- The leaves of Ipomoea pandurata, called Wild Potato Vine, are shaped like a heart. Hedge bindweed leaves are shaped like an arrowhead.
Gallery
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Hedge bindweed growing
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Another view of hedge bindweed
See also
In Spanish: Correhuela mayor para niños
