Nightblooming False Bindweed: A Pacific Northwest Native Worth Knowing
If you’re looking to add some Pacific Northwest charm to your garden, you might want to get acquainted with nightblooming false bindweed (Calystegia atriplicifolia atriplicifolia). This lesser-known native perennial brings a touch of wild beauty to gardens, though it’s certainly not your typical garden center find.
What Is Nightblooming False Bindweed?
Nightblooming false bindweed is a perennial forb native to the lower 48 states, specifically thriving in Oregon and Washington. As a member of the morning glory family, this plant shares some characteristics with its more famous cousins but has its own unique personality. The name gives away one of its most interesting features—unlike many flowers that open with the morning sun, this beauty saves its show for the evening hours.
You might also see this plant listed under its botanical synonym, Convolvulus nyctagineus Greene, in older gardening references or botanical texts.
Where Does It Grow?
This Pacific Northwest native calls Oregon and Washington home, making it perfectly adapted to the unique climate conditions of this region. If you’re gardening in these states, you’re working with a plant that has been thriving in your local ecosystem for thousands of years.
Why Consider Growing Nightblooming False Bindweed?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this native plant for your garden:
- True native status: As a genuine Pacific Northwest native, it supports local ecosystems and requires minimal intervention once established
- Evening interest: The nightblooming habit adds intrigue to evening gardens and can complement other night-blooming plants
- Perennial reliability: Once established, this hardy perennial returns year after year
- Low maintenance: Native plants typically require less water, fertilizer, and pest control than non-native alternatives
The Challenges
Before you get too excited, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Limited availability: This isn’t a plant you’ll find at your local nursery—you’ll need to seek out native plant specialists or propagate it yourself
- Limited information: As a less common native, detailed growing information can be scarce
- Bindweed relatives: Some gardeners may be wary due to the aggressive nature of non-native bindweeds, though native species typically behave differently
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for Calystegia atriplicifolia atriplicifolia are not well-documented, we can make educated assumptions based on its native habitat and plant family characteristics:
- Climate: Best suited for Pacific Northwest conditions where it naturally occurs
- Soil: Likely adaptable to various soil types, as most natives are resilient
- Water: Probably drought-tolerant once established, following typical native plant patterns
- Sun exposure: Requirements unknown, but many Calystegia species tolerate both sun and partial shade
Garden Design Ideas
Consider incorporating nightblooming false bindweed into:
- Native plant gardens: Perfect for authentic Pacific Northwest landscapes
- Evening gardens: Combine with other night-blooming or night-fragrant plants
- Wildlife gardens: Native plants typically support local pollinators and wildlife
- Naturalized areas: Allow it to spread in wilder sections of your property
Finding and Propagating
Your best bet for acquiring this plant is through:
- Native plant societies in Oregon and Washington
- Specialized native plant nurseries
- Plant swaps with other native plant enthusiasts
- Seed collection from wild populations (where legally permitted)
The Bottom Line
Nightblooming false bindweed represents the kind of unique, locally-adapted plant that makes Pacific Northwest gardens special. While it may not be the easiest plant to source or the most well-documented to grow, it offers something special: a genuine piece of your local ecosystem that’s perfectly adapted to your climate.
If you’re passionate about native plants and don’t mind a little gardening adventure, this evening-blooming beauty could be a wonderful addition to your collection. Just remember that with less common natives, you’re somewhat pioneering—part of the fun is learning as you grow!
