Calystegia sepium, Hedge Bindweed

Common Name: Hedge Bindweed

Calystegia sepium, commonly known as Hedge Bindweed, is a herbaceous perennial that twines around other plants, in a counter-clockwise direction, to a height of up to 2-4m, rarely 5m. The pale matte green leaves are arranged spirally, simple, pointed at the tip and arrowhead shaped, 5-10cm long and 3-7cm broad. The flowers are produced from late spring to the end of summer.

In the bud, they are covered by large bracts which remain and continue to cover sepals. The open flowers are trumpet-shaped, 3-7cm diameter, white, or pale pink with white stripes. After flowering the fruit develops as an almost spherical capsule 1cm diameter containing two to four large, black seeds that are shaped like quartered oranges. The seeds disperse and thrive in fields, borders, roadsides and open woods.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.