Fallopia dumetorum aka Copse Bindweed

Fallopia dumetorum is a climber in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. It is an annual, so its life ends within one year. Its common names include copse bindweed and climbing false buckwheat. Older sources use the name Polygonum dumetorum. They also call it Bilderdykia dumetorum. Kew places its native range across temperate Eurasia. The RHS lists Britain and Ireland as native homes too. Its range spans parts of Europe and much of temperate Asia. Records include China, Korea, Mongolia, and parts of the Himalayas.

This plant grows to about 6 feet [1.8 metres]. It climbs in the hedges and thickets where it grows. The supplied sources give no details of its leaves. Nor do they describe its stems or bark. They give no width for the plant at full size. Its recorded garden setting is a hedgerow. The evidence does not say what value it has for garden display.

The plant blooms from July to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen to the flowers. The sources give no flower colour or fruit shape. Seeds offer one way to grow new plants. Plants For A Future says to sow in spring. It calls for sowing in a cold frame. It reports that the seeds tend to sprout well. Move young plants to their own pots when large enough to handle. Its guide allows planting out in summer once they have grown enough.

This plant can grow in normal garden soil. It likes soil that holds moisture but is not too rich. Its stated soil range includes sand, loam, and clay. It accepts mildly acid soil and neutral ground. Mildly alkaline soil suits it too. Grow it in sun or part shade, with moist soil. The sources give no hardiness zone or frost limit. Plants For A Future says rabbits tend to leave it alone. The evidence names no specific pests or diseases that cause problems.

Plants For A Future lists leaves and seeds as edible. It records raw and cooked uses for both parts. The seeds are small, which makes them awkward to use. Its food-use rating is low, at one out of five. It also lists use as a purgative, to clear the bowels. This use has the same low rating. The record does not show that medicinal use is safe. The source's hazard note deals with related plants. It does not confirm harm from this species. Thus, it does not settle whether this species is toxic.