Field Bindweed

(Convolvulus arvensis L.)

Convolvulaceae (Morningglory Family)

▲ ▼field bindweed shoot emerging from creeping root in spring

▲field bindweed spreading out from root sprouts

▲ twining growth habit of field bindweed

▲ leaves and flower buds

funnel-shaped flowers of field bindweed, usually white ▲ or pink ▼

▲ ▼ tiny bracts on flower stem, and small bracts at base of flower help distinguish field bindweed from hedge bindweed

▲ illustration of creeping roots of field bindweed

 

▲ vacant lot with heavy field bindweed infestation

Field Bindweed (pp. 210-211, Weeds of the Northeast; pp. 268-269, Weeds of the Great Plains)

• cool season, creeping perennial, broadleaf, vining weed

• deep creeping roots, 8ft to 20-30ft deep, that form numerous shoots

• in morning glory family; produces twining stems up to 5-9' long

• heavy seed producer, viable 20-30yrs

• grows continuously from spring until hard freeze

• underground roots plus vining shoots can spread 20' diameter/year

• leaves sort of shield or shovel/spade shaped

• flower stems have two small bracts 1/2 way between main stem and flower

• hedge bindweed, similar to field bindweed, has two large bracts immediately under the flower, and leaves have more strongly angled bases

• repeated herbicide use usually required to control—takes 2-4 years

• a gall mite is being investigated in Texas as a possible biological control agents—reduces flowering and seed production and weakens plant