Field Bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis

This prolific, persistent and universal plant is considered a weed and is despised by human beings, who spend long, fruitless hours attempting to exterminate it. Its success can be partly attributed to its root system, with its extensive and deeply descending network of

rhizomes, that can penetrate the earth up to a depth of 6 m (19 2/3 ft), and its seeds, which can live in the soil for up to 50 years before germinating. Bindweed seeds are not readily cleaned from crop and they are, thus, spread through unclean seed or feed. Additionally, seeds are spread when livestock move from infested grazing areas to weed-free land, as they remain viable after passing through the animals’ digestive tracts.

Its leaves are arrow-shaped, while its flowers, which are approximately 30 mm (1 1/5 in), are white or pink with white stripes. It blooms between April and September and can be found on cultivated, waste and fallow land, roadsides, scrub and, occasionally, on sand-dunes.

According to "Plants for a Future", the root and, also, a resin made from the root, is cholagogue, diuretic, laxative and strongly purgative. The dried root contains 4.9% resin, whilst the juice of the root is used in the treatment of fevers. A tea made from the flowers is laxative and is also used in the treatment of fevers and wounds. A cold tea made from the leaves is laxative and is also used as a wash for spider bites or taken internally to reduce excessive menstrual flow.

As far as edibility is concerned, the same source states that the plant has been used as a flavoring in a liqueur called "Noyeau", however no details are given as to which part of the plant is used.

Finally, the stem can be used as a twine for tying up plants etc. It is fairly flexible and strong but not long-lasting. Also, a green dye can be obtained from the whole plant.

Type of plant
Creeping

perennial herb

Flowering Season
April - September

Known Hazards
None known

Known Uses
Used in medicine as cholagogue, diuretic, laxative. Also used in the treatment of fever. Various, but unknown, parts of the plant are used as an ingredient for a certain liquor. Stems are used as a twine for tying up plants. "Plants for a Future" rate this plant 1 out of 5 for edibility and 2 out of 5 for medicinal use (min. 0, max. 5).

Habitat
Cultivated, waste and fallow land, roadsides, scrub and sand-dunes

Distribution
Throughout the Mediterranean region; naturalized in certain parts of America and elsewhere

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae (Plants); Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants); Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants); Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants); Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons); Subclass: Asteridae; Order: Solanales; Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glories); Genus: Convolvulus; Species: arvensis

Acknowledgments

Information on the plant's edible and medicinal uses was obtained from "Plants for a Future".