We have discovered two types of bindweed in our plantings – Field bindweed (Convolvus arvensis) and Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium). This isn’t good news when some researchers have called Field bindweed the 12th and the 10th “worst weed in the world” (Pfirter et al. 1997; Mitich 1991). Field bindweed has the status of a serious weed in 14 countries and a problem weed in 19 countries. Both plants have the ability to vine up other plants as they grow; making it difficult to control without collateral damage.

These bindweeds have been a problem in 2 of the 5 plantings that we have. Why it skipped three of them, I don’t understand, but am certainly glad for it. We also find it in 1 of the 3 propagation gardens.

Field bindweed has had a bad reputation since it was first introduced. In 1890, it was called “the most dreaded of the perennial weeds” (Mitich 1991). Interestingly, there are 84 known names for field bindweed; I know I have a few that I call it!!!

Sadly, with all the negativity surrounding these plants, field bindweed is still around and used by gardeners as an ornamental. Pretty remarkable that it would be legal to plant today knowing its history and its ecology.

• A vining perennial that can grow from seeds, roots, or rhizomes
• Root system is both vertical and horizontal.
• Vertical roots can reach 20-30’ and horizontal roots are found in the top 2’ of soil. The horizontal roots will eventually turn and move vertically (Jacobs 2007; Mitich 1991; Wright et al. 2011)
• A single plant can create a 10-20’ radiating spread in one growing season.
• Roots can bud, meaning that root pieces laying on the ground can propagate; even those as small as 5mm. Wright and others (1991) found that buds can be produced with roots found 14’ underground.
• Food reserves in the roots allow the plant to survive underground for more than 3 years without replenishment.
• Root nutrients are lowest in May before it begins growing.
• Flowers last for only 1 day and are pollinated by Halictidae, honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and moths
• Seeds can be viable for up to 60 years; on average one plant can produce 550 seeds; and tests have shown 87-99% are viable. One test showed 62% were viable after 50 years when stored at room temperature (Jacobs 2007).
• Drought tolerant
• Prefers heavy clay soil
• Not shade tolerant

• A vining perennial
• Native to eastern U.S. but considered a noxious weed in many states; it’s also native to Eurasia.
• Stems can reach up to 10’
• Roots are shallow but can extend up to 10’
• Spreads by seeds or rhizomes and forms clones
• Is allelopathic – produces a chemical that prevents other plants from growing around them
• Releases Calystegines which can be poisonous to arthropods and mammals
• Adapts to full sun or partial shade as well as a variety of soil conditions

How the bindweeds grow together and form a ground cover that does not allow other for plants.

Unless it’s a monoculture, I do nothing because the collateral damage of any effective method to the surrounding natives is high.

Mowing is not the answer for the bindweeds; they are too low growing for it be effective. Smothering can be effective if done for several consecutive years and no vines find an opening to poke through.

Jacobs (2007) found a gall mite (Aceria malherbae) will attack the leaves and stems and a moth (Tyta luctuosa) will attack the flowers and leaves; neither of these are native to the U.S. The moth is not very effective and the gall mite is less than 50% effective (Boydston and William 2017).  Introducing another non-native could be introducing more problems than solutions. Two non-natives don’t make a native!

Herbicides are effective but may need to be applied more than once and for more than one year. Their effectiveness lessens in years of drought because field bindweed has a waxy surface, which is “three times greater” in drought conditions (Jacobs 2007). Applying herbicides to bindweed is tricky if they are interspersed with native plants. It could cause more damage than good.

Hedge bindweed, when in the rosette stage, can be hand pulled because of its shallow roots. If left to grow the roots will become too long for pulling.

As with any control strategy, one must overseed the area. This is imperative should you need to use one of the control methods.

Boydston, R. A., & Williams, M. M. 2004. Combined effects of Aceria malherbae and herbicides on field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) growth. Weed science, 52(2), 297-301.

Defago, G., H.U. Ammon, L. Cagan, B. Draeger, M.P. Greaves, D. Guntli, D. Hoeke, L. Klime, J. Lawrie, Y. Moenne-loccozi, B. Nicolet, H.A. Pfirteri, R. Tabacchi, and P. Toth. 2001. Towards the biocontrol of bindweeds with a microherbicide. BioControl 46: 157–173.

Graham, Jessica and Wayne S. Johnson. Managing Field Bindweed. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact sheet 04-48.

Jacobs, Jim.  2007.  Ecology and management of field bindweed. NRCS-Montana, Invasive Species Technical Note No. MT-9.

Mitich, Larry W. 1991. Field Bindweed. Weed Technology 5: 913-915.

Pfirter, Hanspeter A., Hans-Ulrich Ammon, Daniel Guntli, Michael P. Greaves, Genevieve Defago. 1997. Towards the management of field bindweed and hedge bindweed with fungal pathogens and cover crops. Integrated Pest Management Reviews 2: 61-69.

Swan, D.G. and R. J. Chancellor. 1976. Regenerative capacity of field bindweed roots. Weed Science 24(3): 306-308.

USDA Forest Service. Field Bindweed. Weed of the Week 02-08-06.

Wiese, Allen F. and Dwane E. Lavake. 1985. Control of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) with postemergence herbicides. Weed Science 34: 77-80.

Wright, S.D, C.L. Elmore, D.W. Cudney. Oct 2011. Field Bindweed. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Pest Notes Publication 7462.