Calystegia malacophylla, commonly known as Sierra false bindweed, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to the chaparral, woodland margins, and open forest habitats of California’s mountain ranges, including the Central Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada. It typically grows up to 3 feet in length with woolly stems and has distinctive kidney-shaped to triangular leaves. The plant produces showy white flowers that are sometimes tinted with pink or yellow, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are funnel-shaped and can be quite conspicuous in their native settings.

Sierra false bindweed is valued for its ability to cover ground quickly, making it useful for erosion control on slopes and in disturbed areas. It is also appreciated for its drought tolerance once established, requiring minimal supplemental water. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. It thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While not commonly used in formal garden settings, it can be an attractive addition to native plant gardens or restoration projects. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively via rhizomes and may require management to keep it within bounds. It is not known to have significant disease problems, but its vigor can make it a challenge to control in some landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0