Black Bindweed (Polygonum convolvulus)

Family: Polygonaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Polygonum convolvulus is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - ground into a powder and used as a gruel or mixed with cereals. The seed coat should be removed before use, this has caused mechanical injury to the digestive systems of animals who have eaten the seed. — Seed - ground into a powder and used as a gruel or mixed with cereals.; The seed coat should be removed before use, this has caused mechanical injury to the digestive systems of animals who have eaten the seed.; The seed is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places, arable land and gardens. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)