Black Bindweed is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in cropland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 150cm.
Black Bindweed gets its name from the colour of its seed and its creeping, twining growth habit. Although generally seen as a nuisance plant of cultivated land, Black Bindweed absorbs copper and can be used to take up and remove copper from contaminated land.
Botanic classification and naming: Black Bindweed is a member of the Knotweed (Polygonaceae) family. The genus name
'Fallopia' identifies the plant as a Bindweed and its species name 'convolvulus' means 'binding plant'.
Concerns: Black Bindweed is a deep-rooted plant that can choke other plants and harbour disease. When found on cropland, it can significantly reduce the yield and quality of grain production.
Benefits: The seeds of Black Bindweed, which look like buckwheat, are eaten by birds, and provided an ancient food source for humans.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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