Field Bindweed

Information

Convolvulus arvensis - Convolvulaceae Family - Perennial

Other common name: Wild Morning Glory

field_bindweed_1_tile field_bindweed_2_tile field_bindweed_3_tile field_bindweed_4_tile

Identification

Flowers: Trumpet-shaped flowers, light pink to white.
Seeds / Roots: Reproduces vegetatively from roots, rhizomes, stem fragments, and by seeds that can lie dormant in the soil for up to 50 years.
Leaves: Smooth, arrowhead-shaped leaves.
Flowering Time: June - October.
Life cycle/ other: A deep-rooted perennial vine with twining stems that can reach 6 ft in length.

Impacts

Most effective control methods

Remove seedlings before they become perennial plants and produce seeds. Don’t dispose in backyard compost piles.
Avoid digging or tilling the soil around mature field bindweed roots; Roots or rhizome fragments left behind may resprout.
For small infestations repeated hand pulling works eventually but is highly labor intensive.
For small infestations herbicides can be painted or brushed on leaves to avoid drift onto desirable plants. Products containing glyphosate are effective when applied in the summer and fall before the leaves die back.
For large infestations smothering plants with mulch, black plastic or plastic-fiber mats (geotextiles) is another option, but the covering must be kept in place for several years. Success may be somewhat limited as field bindweed can persist without light, sending its underground roots beyond the edge of the covering to start a new infestation.
For best results, control methods should be used throughout several growing seasons; success in controlling this weed requires the prevention of seeds, competition from more desirable vegetation and vigilance in removing new growth.

Control methods and timing

March	April	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct
	Prev Mech Chem	Prev Mech Chem	Prev Mech Chem	Prev Mech	Prev Mech	Prev Mech Chem	Prev Mech Chem

March

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Chem

Prevention (Prev) Monitor and destroy new plants before seed production.

Mechanical (Mech) Hand pulling, digging, cutting, mowing and tilling.

Cultural (Cult) Biological control agents, livestock grazing, and revegetation practices.

Chemical (Chem) Selective herbicides based on the plant and the specific location. Check our weed fact sheets for specific control information.

Field bindweed: flowers

Field bindweed: flowers and leaves

Field bindweed: foliage

Field bindweed: infestation

Field bindweed: flowers and leaves

Field bindweed

Field bindweed: infestation

Field bindweed: seeds