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