What does bindweed mean?
Bindweed is the common name for a group of twining, herbaceous weeds belonging to the morning-glory family, most notably field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium). The plants climb by winding their stems around other vegetation and bear attractive, funnel- or trumpet-shaped flowers that range from white to pink. Despite its pretty appearance, bindweed is one of the most persistent and unwelcome weeds in gardens and farmland across temperate regions. It spreads both by seed and by an extensive network of creeping underground roots, which can penetrate deep into the soil; even small root fragments left in the ground after weeding can regenerate into new plants, making eradication famously difficult. The name reflects this habit, since the plant literally binds itself to whatever it climbs. Gardeners and farmers treat bindweed as a serious pest, though botanists value it as an interesting example of an aggressive colonizing species.
nounA twining herbaceous plant of the genus Convolvulus (especially field bindweed) or Calystegia, with funnel-shaped flowers resembling those of the morning glory, widely regarded as a troublesome garden weed.
- Any of various twining weeds of the genera Convolvulus and Calystegia, especially field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) or hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium).
"The hedge was smothered in bindweed by midsummer."
"The allotment was overrun with bindweed despite weeks of careful weeding."
"She photographed the pale trumpet-shaped blooms of hedge bindweed along the country lane."
Rarely used in the plural; bindweed normally functions as an uncountable collective noun referring to the plant generally.
"Several different bindweeds grow wild on the roadside verges."
Pull up bindweed all you like — its brittle white roots can extend several feet underground, and every fragment left behind can sprout a whole new plant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bindweed
The word bindweed is formed from the verb 'bind', combined with 'weed', first appearing in English around the early modern period to describe plants that twist and cling tightly to other growth. The verb 'bind' itself derives from Old English 'bindan', which comes from the Proto-Germanic root *bindaną. This same ancient Germanic root gave rise to related English words such as 'band', 'bond', and 'bundle', all of which share the core idea of fastening or tying things together.
How bindweed is actually used
The word is used almost exclusively in gardening and botanical contexts and carries strongly negative connotations for gardeners, since bindweed is notoriously difficult to eradicate. In British English 'bindweed' typically refers to both Calystegia and Convolvulus species; the closely related ornamental plants sold as 'morning glories' belong to the same family but are not usually called bindweed.