Bindweed

This very attractive trumpet like flower which is probably very familiar on hedges, fences and covering sheds etc. is called Hedge Bindweed ( Calystegia Sepium – formerly Convolvulus Sepium) and is a real nuisance or bind of a weed.  The stems climb in an anticlockwise direction smothering everything in its way and can easily reach 3 or 4 metres.  The main problem is that the roots can spread many metres below ground and even a tiny bit of root can quickly grow while the seeds are viable for up to 30 years.  The flowers bloom from April till October or until the first frost and close each afternoon  reopening the following day. The broad arrow shaped leaves and trumpet flowers can be seen much better in Susanna's blip.

Alternative names include greater bindweed, bellbind,  bearbind, hedge convolvulus, hooded bindweed, old man's nightcap, wild morning glory, bride's gown, white witches hat, belle of the ball, heavenly trumpets