Texas bindweed

Description

Convolvulus equitans is a slender, branched vine, growing along the ground or on other plants. Leaves are variable in shape; they may be narrowly triangular or nearly linear, and may have two symmetric groups of angular lobes at the base, some pointing backwards. Leaf edges and both surfaces have a covering of fine, short hairs. Leaves form at relatively widely-spaced intervals along the green or reddish stems, and they have petioles up to 1.5 inches long. This species does not form large mats like some other bindweeds, so is regarded as non-agressive. Flower color ranges from white to pale pink and bluish purple, sometimes reddish at the center, otherwise pale yellow, with green spots at the base. Flowers are pentagonal in shape viewed from above, sharply pointed at the five vertices, which are lined by tufts of silky hairs. Fruits are orange/brown spheres, about a third of an inch wide.