Latin: Fallopia convolvulus
Other names: wild buckwheat
Family: Polygonaceae
Black bindweed is a common weed that belongs to the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). It is also known as wild buckwheat, climbing buckwheat, or corn bindweed. It can be identified by its heart-shaped leaves and small greenish-white flowers that bloom from June to September.
The stems are slender and twining, and can grow to an impressive 2 meters long. Black bindweed can be found in not just in our fields and gardens but on the roadside, and waste places. It is native to Europe and Asia.
Identifying Black bindweed
Black bindweed is not a true bindweed, as it does not belong to the morning glory family. However, it can be confused with field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), which has similar leaves and flowers, but larger and pinkish. Black bindweed can be distinguished by its black seeds, which are enclosed in triangular winged fruits whilst Field bindweed has brown seeds without wings.
The difficulties of Black bindweed
Black bindweed is considered a nuisance weed by many farmers and gardeners, as it can compete with crops and ornamental plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. It can also interfere with harvesting and reduce crop quality and yield.
Black bindweed can be difficult to control, as it can regenerate from root fragments and seeds.
Nufarm has some chemical recommendations for use as a professional product:
Paramount Max 17-20g/ha + Compitox Plus 1.25-1.5l/ha
(Good control ~80%)
However in some cases mechanical methods such as hoeing, mowing, or hand-pulling can be effective if done repeatedly and before the plants produce seeds.
