Bindweed is a term commonly used to describe two similar yet distinct species of plants: field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium).
These perennial weeds are often found in farmlands, residential settings, and ornamental borders across the United States. They are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions, from full sun to full shade, demonstrating a remarkable drought-tolerant nature.
Both species are characterized by their arrowhead-shaped leaves, long, twining stems, and large white trumpet flowers that are visually similar to those of the morning glory.
The stem fragments and seeds of these plants can give rise to new plants, making them particularly challenging to control. Their root system includes deep vertical roots and lateral roots, which can extend to great depths, further contributing to their resilience.
Bindweed is considered a noxious weed due to its invasive nature and ability to establish dense mats, outcompeting desirable plants in lawns, flower gardens, and even shrubs. It can twist and twirl around upright plants, including grapevines and alfalfa, causing significant damage.
Effective control of field bindweed and hedge bindweed requires a combination of control methods, including the use of herbicides, cultural practices, and mechanical control.
What is Bindweed?
Bindweed, a common name for plants belonging to the Convolvulus genus, is a perennial weed that is often considered a nuisance in both residential settings and farmlands across the United States.
Two of the most common species are field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium).
Bindweed is characterized by its long, twining stems that twist around upright plants, shrubs, and even structures, often forming dense mats. Its leaves are arrowhead-shaped, attached to the stem by a petiole.
The plant produces large white trumpet flowers, which are funnel-shaped and resemble those of the morning glory, hence its other common name, the morning glory weed.
The root system of bindweed is extensive and robust, with vertical roots that can reach depths of up to 20 feet and lateral roots that spread widely. This weed also reproduces through rhizomes and stem fragments, making it particularly difficult to control.
Bindweed is a drought-tolerant plant, capable of thriving in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to full shade. It is a noxious weed, known for its aggressive growth and establishment, often outcompeting desirable plants in flower gardens, ornamental borders, lawns, and turf.
Field bindweed, in particular, is notorious for its persistence and resistance to control methods. It is a common sight in farmlands, where it can significantly reduce crop yields by competing for resources and physically interfering with the growth of crops like alfalfa and grapevines.
Despite its reputation as a troublesome weed, bindweed is also known for its resilience and adaptability to various environmental conditions, making it a subject of interest in studies of plant survival and adaptation.
Lifecycle of Bindweed
Bindweed are perennial weeds that can thrive in a wide range of conditions across the United States. Their life cycle begins with seedlings sprouting in the spring from seeds that can lie dormant in the soil at various depths for many years.
These seedlings quickly establish a deep and extensive root system, including vertical roots and lateral roots, which can reach depths of up to 20 feet.
The stem of the bindweed, which can either twirl and twist around upright plants like morning glory or spread out to form dense mats, starts to grow.
The leaves, attached by a petiole to the stem, are generally arrowhead-shaped, but can vary between species. For instance, field bindweed leaves are smaller and more rounded, while hedge bindweed leaves are larger and more heart-shaped.
By early summer, bindweed plants start to flower, producing large white trumpet flowers that are funnel-shaped, resembling those of the morning glory. These flowers can be seen on farmlands, in residential settings, and even in flower gardens, often twining around shrubs and other desirable plants.
In the fall, the top growth of bindweed dies back, but the root system remains alive, storing energy for the next growing season. During this time, the plant can also produce new shoots from stem fragments or rhizomes, leading to new infestations.
How to Identify Bindweed
Bindweed is a perennial weed that belongs to the morning glory family. It is a notorious and persistent weed that can be found in a wide range of conditions across the United States.
Two species of bindweed are common in the US: field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium).
Field Bindweed
Field bindweed is characterized by its arrowhead-shaped leaves and large white trumpet flowers. The leaves are attached to the stem by a petiole.
The stems are long and slender, and they twist and twirl around other plants, fences, and structures, giving the plant its common name.
The root system of field bindweed is extensive, with vertical roots reaching depths of up to 20 feet and lateral roots spreading out in a dense mat. This weed is drought-tolerant and can survive in both full sun and full shade.
Hedge Bindweed
Hedge bindweed, on the other hand, has larger leaves and flowers than field bindweed. Its leaves are also arrowhead-shaped, but they are larger and have a more pronounced point.
The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, and usually white, although they can sometimes be pink. The stems of hedge bindweed are also twining, but they are thicker and more robust than those of field bindweed.
This species prefers moist, fertile soil and is often found in farmlands, residential settings, and ornamental borders.
Both species produce new plants from rhizomes and from stem fragments, making them difficult to control. The establishment of field bindweed, in particular, can be problematic in lawns, flower gardens, and shrubs due to its ability to spread quickly and choke out desirable plants.
Damage Caused by Bindweed
Bindweed’s ability to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions, including full sun and full shade, makes it a formidable adversary.
Its drought-tolerant nature and the establishment of new plants from stem fragments or seeds add to its resilience.
The weed’s arrowhead-shaped leaves and trumpet or funnel-shaped flowers, similar to those of morning glory, may seem attractive, but they belie the damage this weed can cause.
Bindweed’s dense growth can smother desirable plants in flower gardens, ornamental borders, and turf. It can twirl and twist around upright plants, shrubs, and even grapevines, effectively choking them and hindering their growth.
The weed’s competitive cropping can lead to significant yield losses in farmlands, particularly in crops like alfalfa.
Moreover, bindweed’s extensive root system and the ability to regenerate from rhizomes and stem fragments make it difficult to control.
Even small pieces of root left in the soil can lead to new infestations. This weed’s regrowth capacity is so robust that it can quickly recover top growth after herbicide treatments, making effective control a challenging task.
In addition to the physical damage, bindweed can also alter the soil chemistry, making it less hospitable for other plants. It can quickly turn a lush lawn or a productive field into a sea of twisting stems and arrowhead-shaped leaves, leaving bare soil in its wake.
Therefore, control of field bindweed and other types of bindweed is crucial.
Signs of Bindweed Infestation
Distinctive Leaves: One of the first signs of a bindweed infestation is the appearance of its distinctive leaves. Both types of bindweed have arrowhead-shaped leaves, but the leaf of the hedge bindweed is larger and has a more pronounced heart shape. The leaf is attached to the stem by a petiole, which allows it to twist and twirl around upright plants, shrubs, and even grapevines.
White Trumpet Flowers: Another sign of bindweed infestation is the presence of its large white trumpet flowers. These flowers, which resemble those of the morning glory, are funnel-shaped and can be quite attractive. However, don’t let their beauty fool you. These plants are highly invasive and can quickly take over your lawn, flower gardens, and ornamental borders.
Roots: Bindweed’s root system is extensive and robust, with vertical roots that can reach depths of up to 20 feet and lateral roots that spread out in all directions. This root system allows the plant to survive in drought-tolerant conditions and makes it difficult to control. New plants can sprout from stem fragments or rhizomes, forming dense mats that choke out desirable plants.
How to Prevent Bindweed
Preventing the establishment of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium) in your garden or farmlands can be a challenging task due to their robust root system, drought-tolerant nature, and the ability to grow under a wide range of conditions.
However, with a combination of effective control methods, it is possible to prevent new infestations and control weeds.
Prevent From Setting Seed
One of the most effective control practices is to prevent the weed from setting seed. This can be achieved by removing the top growth of the plant regularly.
It’s important to dig out the weed, ensuring you remove the entire root system, including the vertical roots and lateral roots. Be aware that even small stem fragments can lead to new plants, so thorough removal is crucial.
Mulching
Mulching is another good option for bindweed control. A thick layer of mulch can prevent new shoots from emerging, and it also suppresses the growth of seedlings.
For larger areas, landscape fabrics or cardboard can be used to cover the soil, preventing the emergence of new plants.
Other Plants
In residential settings, such as lawn, flower gardens, or ornamental borders, maintaining a dense mat of desirable plants can help control bindweed.
The weed struggles to establish in full shade, so planting shrubs or other tall, upright plants can help control its spread.
In farmlands, competitive cropping with plants like alfalfa can be an effective control method. The dense growth of these crops can outcompete bindweed, preventing its establishment.
Herbicidal Treatments
Herbicidal treatments, specifically those containing glyphosate, can also be used as part of your control methods. Glyphosate is effective against perennial weeds like bindweed. However, it should be used judiciously to avoid damage to desirable plants.
How to Get Rid of Bindweed
Controlling bindweed can be a challenging task due to their extensive root system, drought-tolerant nature, and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.
However, with the right control methods and practices, you can effectively control these perennial weeds.
Cultural Control
The control of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium) can be a challenging task due to their extensive root system, drought-tolerant nature, and ability to regenerate from stem fragments and rhizomes.
However, cultural control methods can be an effective way to manage these noxious weeds, especially in residential settings, farmlands, and ornamental borders.
One of the primary cultural control methods is the establishment of competitive cropping. This involves planting desirable plants that can compete effectively with bindweed for resources.
Dense mats of alfalfa, for instance, can suppress the growth of new bindweed shoots by limiting access to sunlight. This method is particularly useful in farmlands and flower gardens where bindweed is a common problem.
Mulching is another good option for bindweed control. A thick layer of mulch can prevent the emergence of new seedlings and new infestations.
Organic mulches like straw or wood chips can be used, but for more effective control, consider using landscape fabrics or cardboard. These materials can block sunlight and smother bindweed plants, preventing their growth.
Regularly digging up the soil can also help control weeds. This method disrupts the root system of bindweed, making it harder for the plant to establish and spread. However, care should be taken not to spread the stem fragments or vertical roots, as these can give rise to new plants.
In lawn and turf areas, maintaining a healthy, dense grass cover can prevent the establishment of field bindweed. This is because bindweed thrives in bare soil conditions. Regular mowing can also help control the spread of bindweed by removing the top growth and reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Chemical Control
Chemical control is an effective method for managing the establishment of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium), two of the most persistent and troublesome perennial weeds in the United States.
These weeds are characterized by their large white trumpet flowers, arrowhead-shaped leaves, and the ability to twirl and twist around upright plants, forming dense mats that can choke out desirable plants in flower gardens, farmlands, and residential settings.
Herbicidal control of field bindweed primarily involves the use of systemic herbicides like glyphosate. Glyphosate is absorbed by the leaf and stem tissue and then translocated to the root system, where it inhibits a plant enzyme crucial for growth.
This herbicide is particularly effective because it can reach the extensive vertical and lateral roots of bindweed, which can extend to considerable depths.
However, bindweed control is not a one-time process. The weed’s root system is extensive and can produce new shoots from depths of up to 20 feet. Therefore, herbicide treatments should be repeated to control regrowth from these roots and rhizomes.
It’s important to note that glyphosate is non-selectively toxic to plants, meaning it can harm or kill any plant it comes into contact with. Therefore, care should be taken when applying it in ornamental borders, lawns, or near shrubs and grapevines. Selectively formulated herbicides are a good option for these settings.
For new infestations, seedlings can be effectively controlled with herbicides. However, mature plants, due to their extensive root system and drought-tolerant nature, may require multiple applications for effective control.
Biological Control
Biological control is an effective method for the management of bindweed species, including field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium), which are known to be particularly aggressive and invasive perennial weeds.
These weeds are characterized by their arrowhead-shaped leaves, large white trumpet flowers, and the ability to twirl and twist around upright plants, forming dense mats that can smother other vegetation.
In the United States, bindweed is considered a noxious weed, especially in farmlands, residential settings, and flower gardens. It can grow under a wide range of conditions, from full sun to full shade, and is highly drought-tolerant.
Its root system is extensive, with vertical roots that can reach depths of up to 20 feet and lateral roots that produce new shoots, contributing to the establishment of field bindweed.
Biological control methods involve the use of natural enemies to suppress weed growth. For bindweed control, certain insects and fungi have been identified as potential biological control agents. These organisms can cause significant damage to the weed’s leaf, stem, and root system, inhibiting its growth and reproduction.
One good option for biological control of field bindweed is the bindweed mite (Aceria malherbae). This tiny mite feeds on the plant’s leaves and stems, causing the formation of galls or swellings that stunt the plant’s growth and reduce its ability to produce seeds.
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Melissa Pino is a biologist, master gardener, and regular contributor for Planet Natural. Melissa’s work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices, helping people create healthy gardens and finding ways to achieve overall health and wellness.
