Field Bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

WA C Convolvulaceae
Data Maturity Baseline

Washington State Classification

Class C — Widespread, County-Selected Control

Once established, field bindweed is nearly impossible to fully eradicate.

Quick Reference

Type
vine
Origin
Europe, Asia and Northern Africa

Identification

Growth Habit

It is a perennial herbaceous plant with creeping and twining stems that grow along the ground and up through other plants and structures. It has an extensive system of rhizomes that can grow deep into the soil.

Leaves

Leaves are alternate, more or less arrowhead-shaped and have pointed or blunt lobes at the base.

Flowers

Flowers are bell or funnel-shaped, white to pinkish and approximately 1 inch in diameter. They have 2 small bracts located 1 inch below the flower.

Fruit & Seeds

Seed in a small capsule, about ¼ inch in size.

Impact

Once established, field bindweed is nearly impossible to fully eradicate. It outcompetes native plants species and can reduce crop yields. It forms an extensive root system, often climbing or forming dense tangled mats.

Ecology & Spread

Habitat

It can grow in a wide range of conditions from full sun to full shade and is drought-tolerant. It is found in ravines, greenbelts, forested parks and farmlands as well as residential settings such as driveways, flower gardens and ornamental borders. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of field bindweed in Washington.

Spread Mechanisms

seed vegetative fragments water bird

Reproduction

Field bindweed reproduces vegetatively from roots, rhizomes, stem fragments and by seeds that can lie dormant in the soil for up to 50 or more years. It is spread by animals, drainage water and machinery, as well as a contaminant of crop seed.

Regional Notes — Puget Sound

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Control Methods

Mechanical

  • In general, mechanical control is not a good option because plants are able to reproduce from roots, and seeds remain viable in the soil for long periods of time.

Cultural / Prevention

  • Inorganic mulches, such as plastic, commercial “weed barrier” fabrics and other materials such as roofing paper, is an effective weed management option. Cover inorganic mulches with a thin layer of soil or organic mulch. Cultivating wild morningglory will result in a garden full of the weed by cutting the roots and shoots into small sections which can grow many new plants.

Biological Control

  • The bindweed gall mite, Aceria malherbae forms galls on leaves, leaf petioles, and stem tips that result in stunted plants and reduced flowering. For more information about the biological control of field bindweed, please visit WSU Extension Integrated Weed Control Project.