Hedge bindweed Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,172 found this helpful

All plant parts contain toxic tropane alkaloids, while underground parts additionally contain toxic lectins

Ingestion of large volumes leads to gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea

The plant is easily confused with closely related bindweed species, increasing accidental ingestion risk

FAQ

Is Hedge bindweed toxic to Humans?

Gastrointestinal distress including excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea if large quantities are ingested (Low)

Is Hedge bindweed toxic to Cats?

No species-specific symptom data documented; suspected to cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if large volumes are ingested (Unknown)

Is Hedge bindweed toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific symptom data documented; suspected to cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if large volumes are ingested (Unknown)

Is Hedge bindweed toxic to Horses?

No species-specific symptom data documented; suspected to cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if large volumes are ingested (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Gastrointestinal distress including excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea if large quantities are ingested

Cats

Unknown

No species-specific symptom data documented; suspected to cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if large volumes are ingested

Dogs

Unknown

No species-specific symptom data documented; suspected to cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if large volumes are ingested

Horses

Unknown

No species-specific symptom data documented; suspected to cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if large volumes are ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, with higher concentrations of toxic lectin present in underground root structures

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary confirmed toxic exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity has been reported

Toxic CompoundsTropane alkaloids: Calystegine (nortropane derivatives including calystegin A3 and B2); Lectin (strong T-cell mitogen)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingestion
• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional or veterinarian
• Closely monitor for early signs of gastrointestinal distress including excessive salivation

Contact Vet Immediately

• Ingestion of large quantities of the plant is confirmed
• Severe vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent abdominal pain develops
• Signs of dehydration, lethargy, or unusual behavioral changes are observed

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
• Correctly identify the plant before handling to avoid accidental ingestion
• Remove hedge bindweed from pastures and areas accessible to horses and other grazing animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer symptomatic and supportive care including fluid replacement for dehydration
• Provide gastrointestinal protectants if clinically indicated
• Monitor electrolyte levels to correct imbalances from prolonged gastrointestinal distress

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCalystegia sepium (L.) R.Br. (synonym: Convolvulus sepium L.)

AliasesRutland beauty、Bugle vine、Heavenly trumpets、Echte Zaunwinde (German)、Liseron des haies (French)、Vilucchio bianco (Italian)、Vilucchione (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Tropane alkaloids present in all plant parts irritate the gastrointestinal tract lining

• Lectin compounds in underground plant parts act as a strong T-cell mitogen, contributing to toxic effects

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, and goats: Low toxicity risk; ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal distress including vomiting and diarrhea

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxicity data available; low risk of mild gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested in large quantities

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Large bindweed Calystegia silvatica

Visually similar due to shared white trumpet-shaped flowers and climbing growth habit; distinguished by larger flowers and broader bracts that fully enclose sepals

Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis

Shares climbing growth habit and trumpet-shaped flowers; differs by smaller flowers (often pink or white with pink stripes) and smaller leaves

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Related Toxic Plants

Common morning glory

Ipomoea purpurea

Moderate toxicity

Moonflower

Ipomoea alba

Moderate toxicity

Field bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

Low toxicity

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.