wild buckwheat
Family
PolygonaceaeScientific Name
Polygonum convolvulus
Other Common Names:
black bindweed
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, triangular to heart-shaped with a pointed tip. Basal lobes point inward toward the petiole. Leaves have a continuous, untoothed margin.
Identifying Characteristics
The ocrea at base of each petiole and the triangular leaves with basal lobes that point inward are both characteristics that help to distinguish this weed from most other plants. This weed is often confused with Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). However, the inward-pointing bases of wild buckwheat leaves versus the outward-pointing bases of field bindweed leaves are characteristics that may be used to distinguish between the two. Additionally, the ocrea present in wild buckwheat and not in field bindweed is a distinguishing characteristic.An annual twining or trailing vine that may reach as much as 3 1/2 feet in length.
Flower Seed Head
Flower: Flowers are clustered in racemes from the leaf axils (the position between the stem and a leaf), are inconspicuous and greenish-white in color.Roots: Fibrous root system.
Seed Fruit
Fruit: A 3-angled achene that is black, 3-4 mm long, and enclosed in the green, winged sepals.
Where Found
Wild buckwheat is found throughout the United States.
Growth Habit
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
purple
Flower Symmetry
not symmetrical
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
heart
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
present
Plant Type
Vine