Calystegia sepium is commonly known as Hedge Bindweed
As part of our series of plants commonly mistaken for Japanese knotweed, we look at another plant closely related to Japanese knotweed in its looks and/or characteristics.
Interesting Facts about Hedge Bindweed
- Common and botanical names include: Hedge bindweed, Bellbind (Calystegia sepium) and Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis).
- Areas affected include uncultivated ground, beds, borders, paths, drives and lawns.
- Strong twining weed with creeping underground stems (rhizomes) similar to Japanese knotweed.
- Timing is seen from spring to autumn. Treat from summer to autumn.
Similarities to Japanese Knotweed
Another frequent case of mistaken identity occurs with this climbing plant. Bindweed’s leaves share Japanese knotweed’s heart-shaped leaves which can lead to raising concerns amongst homeowners.
Differences between Hedge Bindweed and Japanese Knotweed
The leaf shape in Bindweed is heart-shaped and is comparable to knotweed. However, Bindweed does not have a flat edge as knotweed does.
The biggest difference between bindweed and Japanese knotweed is strength. Bindweed cannot stand up by itself and needs to bind itself around other plants (hence the name). Japanese knotweed will never entwine another plant; it simply grows over the top of them.
Another key distinguisher is its large pink or white trumpet flowers which start growing in early summer, these are unmistakably different to knotweed’s small, creamy white flowers.
What to do if you are still unsure?
If you are unsure if you have Japanese Knotweed or Hedge Bindweed growing on your land then you can contact a local Japanese knotweed specialist who will help you identify what you have on your land. Most specialists these days offer a free photo identification service to clarify what you have and whether it needs investigating more.
Click here to return to the ‘Plants that look like Knotweed’ page.
Want to know more?
Knotweed Removal aims to provide the most up-to-date information, help and advice for YOU to make informed decisions. If you are unsure or uncertain about how to proceed, please reach out to us and we will gladly come back and advise you as best we can.
Governmental advice can be found here and the UK law covering the removal of Japanese Knotweed as stated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 can be found here.
The best means to contact us is via our email – hello@knotweedremoval.tips
Do not forget we have a library of blogs covering many areas relevant to Japanese Knotweed, our free downloadable How-to Guides and Product Reviews on the latest methods being employed to eradicate or remove Japanese Knotweed.
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