Convolvulus althaeoides
Hollyhock bindweed
(c) Eleftherios Katsillis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eleftherios Katsillis · licence
Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Vine · Not Native
Convolvulus althaeoides (Hollyhock bindweed) is a non-native California vine in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by large purple flowers and deeply lobed upper leaves.
Hollyhock bindweed is a naturalized perennial herb found in southwestern California in disturbed places at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces deep pink to purple funnel-shaped flowers 3 to 4 centimeters long, with a distinctive reflexed peduncle. Growing with climbing stems, it develops distinctively lobed leaves that vary from shallowly notched lower leaves to deeply 3-lobed or multi-lobed upper leaves. Its leaves range from 3 to 4 centimeters long, with an intricate, variable leaf structure that adds visual complexity to the plant. The flower's calyx is 10 to 11 millimeters long, featuring unequal lobes that are widely ovate or spoon-shaped.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; key features are large purple flowers and deeply lobed upper leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed places
Elevation: < 1000 m
Outside California: native to Mediterranean
Bloom period
Convolvulus althaeoides blooms May-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Calystegia: Calystegia has larger flowers and blunt, paddle-shaped stigma lobes; Convolvulus has pointed stigma lobes.; vs Ipomoea: Ipomoea stigma is a single rounded knob; Convolvulus stigma splits into two pointed lobes.; vs Oenothera: Oenothera has four separate petals and cross-shaped stigma; Convolvulus has fused funnel petals.; vs Evolvulus: Evolvulus flowers have separate petals almost to base; Convolvulus petals form clear funnel.; vs Petunia: Petunia has star-shaped throat pattern; Convolvulus flowers lack central star pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Is Convolvulus althaeoides native to California?
No. Convolvulus althaeoides is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Convolvulus althaeoides bloom?
Convolvulus althaeoides blooms May-Oct.
What plant family does Convolvulus althaeoides belong to?
Convolvulus althaeoides is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Convolvulus.
What habitat does Convolvulus althaeoides grow in?
Convolvulus althaeoides grows in Disturbed places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.