At the moment field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis is in full flower. Despite its wide distribution and often being maligned as a particularly persistent garden ‘weed’, it really is worth a closer look.

Each flower is like the upturned bell of a French horn, unfurling like an umbrella or rather a parasol when the sun comes out. The brass section of a floral orchestra blasting out signals to insects to gather pollen.

The flowers often have very distinct candy stripe markings like the roof of a circular jousting tent, particularly when young before the colour has been bleached by the sun. Very cleverly the flowers scroll closed when the sun goes in.

Far less frequent, the field bindweed’s seaside cousin – sea bindweed – Calystegia soldanella can be seen rarely at a few places along Suffolk’s coast. This species has even more defined pink and white flower markings – appropriately enough with a colour way very similar to seaside sticks of rock.

Take a closer look at bindweed - it really is worth spending a little time on.