Polygonum convolvulus
Black Bindweed, wild buckwheat, climbing buckwheat, false buckwheat, climbing knotweed, cornbind, dullseed cornbind, devil’s tether
Description: annual vine
Place of origin: Europe
Urban habitat: commonly found in disturbed sites, along roadsides, railroads; adapted to wide range of climates and soil types; thrives in full sun or partial shade; can strangle nearby plants by twining around them.
Ecological function: disturbance-adapted colonizer.
History: Polygonum convolvulus is currently found throughout North America including Greenland. Its seeds are edible, ground into a powder and mixed with other grains. Parts of the plant have found useful in the treatment of tumors.