Field Bindweed

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Description:

FIELD BINDWEED - Convolvulus arvensis L.

Convolvulaceae - (Morningglory family)

Field bindweed is a perennial with an extensive root system, often climbing or forming dense tangled mats. Stems are prostrate, 1 to 4 feet long. Leaves alternate, more or less arrowhead-shaped, pointed or blunt lobes at the base. The flowers are bell-or trumpet-shaped, white to pinkish, approximately 1 inch in diameter with 2 small bracts located 1 inch below the flower. Fruit is a small, round capsule, usually 4-seeded.

Field bindweed was introduced from Europe and has become a widespread and serious weed problem in all parts of the U.S. except the southeastern states. In the western United States, it is extensively distributed in cultivated fields and waste places. Because of its remarkable adaptability to different environmental conditions, it may be found at altitudes as high as 10,000 feet. It is a difficult weed to eradicate because of the long, deep taproot which can penetrate the soil to a depth of 10 feet and which gives rise to numerous long lateral roots. Seeds remain viable for up to 50 years. The flowering period is from late June until frost in the fall.

Non-standard names: creeping Jenny, morningglory, perennial morningglory.

(Courtesy of Weeds of the West)

Control Strategies:

Field bindweed is very hard to control. Seed dormancy has been shown to exceed 80 years. The roots are very deep and extensive. Cultivation spreads it. Livestock do not eat it.  The first step in control is to prevent seed production. Continuous tillage, cultivation, or herbicide application before flowering is essential. Fall treatment with herbicides is needed to actually reduce the stand. In small grains and corn, spray in the crop with 2,4-D, MCPA, Banvel or Clarity at labeled rates for the crop. This treatment will only set the Field bindweed back. Then the crop will shade it the rest of the summer until harvest. As soon as the sun can get back to the ground after harvest the bindweed will produce rosettes that make energy for root system expansion. A fall application of the above herbicides has greater impact because you can use higher rates and the herbicide is translocated into roots better than in the spring. A few weeks after spraying, plow the field. The combination of herbicide and mechanical damage to the roots will reduce the vigor of the plant and it comes up later in the spring. Repeating  this process for several years will result in a 90% reduction in stand. Glyphosate (Roundup and its generics) can also be used in the fall at 4 quarts per acre. The very reasonable price for this herbicide the last few years makes glyphosate a good choice. However, performance is not consistent year to year and timing the treatment to just proceed a heavy frost, but not after one, seems to  improve impact. In non-crop areas, Tordon is very effective on Field bindweed, but must be used with caution. For additional recommendations contact the District, refer to the current product labels and the University of Wyoming  Herbicide Manual.

To learn about biological control on Field Bindweed visit this link.