Common names: wild buckwheat, dullseed cornbind, black cornbind, black bindweed, climbing buckwheat*

Scientific names: Polygonum convolvulus (Bilderdykia convolvulus, Reynoutria convolvulus, Tiniaria convolvulus)

Seasons of significant use: summer (for Polygonum spp. complex)

Characteristics: Introduced, annual, herbaceous vine usually 3.0-6.0 feet in length. Stems twining, often reddish; leaves ovate-deltoid, ovate-sagittate, or cordate, acuminate, stipulate; stipules form a somewhat obscure sheath around nodes called an ocrea; inflorescences terminal or axillary in upper leaves; terminal inflorescences usually racemose and often subtended by reduced leaves; axillary inflorescences usually with 2 or 3 flowers; tepals greenish to greenish-white, outer 3 minutely keeled; fruit is a triquestrous achene. Flowers April-September.

Plant community type: Open bottomlands. Also in disturbed areas such as gardens, cultivated fields, roadsides, etc.

Comments: *This plant is relatively rare on the NFWU and it is doubtful that it contributed significantly to that portion of the deer diets identified as Polygonum spp.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family