Description:
Climbing buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus) Weed.
Black bindweed is an annual, climbing herb with thin, deep roots. Stems are slender and can grow up to 91 cm long with long internodes. They branch freely from the base and sometimes have a reddish tinge. Stems trail on the ground or twine around other plants. Leaves are alternate, 2 ½ to 4 cm long, and elongate-ovate or arrow-shaped with long petioles and backward-pointing basal lobes. Leaves emerge from papery sheathes that surround the stems. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, and up to 6 mm long. They are grouped in short axillary clusters of two to six. Fruits are triangular achenes with obtuse bases and pointed tops.
Ecological Impact:
Impact on community composition, structure, and interactions: Black bindweed has the ability to cover bare ground quickly and spread rapidly. Seeds and leaves are important food sources for birds. Black bindweed is an alternate host for a number of fungi, viruses, and nematode species.
Impact on ecosystem processes: Black bindweed quickly covers bare soil. It may prevent the establishment of native species.
Biology and Invasive Potential:
Reproductive potential:Black bindweed reproduces by seeds only. Each plant is capable of producing over 30,000 seeds.
Climbing buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus) Distribution in North America shown in green.
The hard seed coat allows seeds to remain dormant for several years.
Role of disturbance in establishment: Black bindweed tends to colonize disturbed ground. Small-scale animal disturbances can be sufficient for the establishment of black bindweed.
Potential for long-distance dispersal: Seeds can be dispersed by water over short distances.
Potential to be spread by human activity: Seeds can be dispersed by farm machinery. This species is a common contaminant in cereal crops.
Germination requirements: Seedlings emerge throughout the growing season. They normally germinate at depths in the soil between 6 and 51 mm, although research has shown that seeds buried as deep as 19 cm can germinate. Light is not required for germination. Seeds of black bindweed germinate at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C, with maximum germination rates occurring between 5°C and 15°C.
Growth requirements:Black bindweed grows in a wide range of soil types. Shade usually suppresses the growth of black bindweed.
Close up of Climbing buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus) Weed.
Distribution and abundance:
Black bindweed is a common weed in cultivated fields, gardens, and orchards. It may also be found in waste areas, thickets, and roadsides. It occasionally grows in riverbanks and pastures.
Native and current distribution: Black bindweed is native to Eurasia. It grows throughout Canada and the U.S. It has also been introduced to Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. Black bindweed has been documented from all three ecogeographic regions of Alaska.
Management:
Mechanical methods are only somewhat effective at controlling infestations of black bindweed. A number of chemicals are recommended for the control of this species. Several pathogenic fungi have been studied as potential biological control agents.
Sourced From: aknhp.uaa.alaska.edu/services/AKNHP.cfc?method…species…
