Bindweed, which is native to Europe and Asia, plagues many gardeners. It came to the United States with contaminated seeds in themid-1700s. It can be mistaken for a morning glory with its green, arrow-shaped leaves and white-pinkish flowers, and the two plants are indeed related.
However, is an invasive plant that thrives in open, cultivated ground and soil that is rich in nitrogen, such as that found in gardens and farms. The seeds remain viable for up to 50 years in the soil and the vine grows easily from underground roots and rhizomes.
This is typically why you'll see bindweed popping up everywhere, even if you've never let it go to seed. Even a tiny section of root in the soil is enough to allow bindweed to grow and spread in the garden.
Because of its highly persistent nature, it is important to remove it as soon as possible before it gets a chance to spread. All parts of the plant are toxic to horses.
| Common Name | Bindweed, field bindweed, devil's guts |
| Botanical Name | Convolvulus arvensis |
| Plant Type | Perennial, vine |
| Mature Size | 3-6 in. tall, 2-15 ft. wide |
| Soil Type | Loamy, sandy, clay, silt, moist |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | White. pink |
| Hardiness Zones | 2-10 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Europe, Asia |
| Toxicity | Toxic to animals |
Bindweed Invasiveness
Because of its pretty flowers, bindweed has sometimes been used in hanging baskets. Since it is such an aggressive grower that easily escapes cultivation, however, it is not recommended planting it even in containers.
Warning
Bindweed is classified as a noxious invasive weed in 35 states in the United States. It forms dense mats and takes over roadsides, grasslands, fields, lawns, and stream banks, displacing native plants.
This is a highly adaptable plant that thrives in a wide range of climates. It overgrows everything around it by twining tightly around the stems of other plants. When it finds no other plants to latch onto, it sprawls on the ground, taking over lawns and meadows.
Bindweed can spread up to 15 feet and develop deep, strong roots. After being removed, there are likely small bits of roots left. Bindweed has the ability to regrow its shoot system within three weeks.
What Does Bindweed Look Like
Bindweed is a perennial vining plant that snakes its way across the ground and over fences, plants, or any other stationary thing in its path.
It has medium-green, arrow-shaped leaves and white-pinkish flowers that look like those of morning glories. The leaves and flowers are small and don't always stand out so it can be easily overlooked in a border or lawn until it has established itself.
There are two forms of the plant:C.arvensisvar. arvensis(with broader leaves) andC.arvensisvar. linearfolius (with narrower leaves).
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How to Get Rid of Bindweed
Vigilance and persistence are the two most useful weapons in your arsenal against bindweed. Watch for signs of this vine, and remove it as quickly as possible. The best way to get rid of bindweed is to cut it off at soil level.
Don't bother pulling it up; it will just sprout wherever you tore the roots, and it is virtually impossible to get all the roots out. By continually cutting it off at ground level, and doing it as soon as you possibly can, you will eventually starve the plant.
Since it will be unable to photosynthesize, it will die. Be patient! You may have to do this many times, but it will eventually do the trick.
If bindweed has invaded your lawn, make sure to practice good lawn care with proper nitrogen fertilizer, as bindweed does not compete well with healthy grass. If the infestation persists, additionally use a post-emergent herbicide containing quincloracas the active ingredient.
Tip
There are various non-invasive plants that you can plant to choke out bindweed, such as creeping phlox, vinca minor, clover, ornamental grasses, and other ground cover species.
How to Prevent Bindweed From Spreading
Since bindweed has such an extensive root system, it is often impossible to remove all the plants when you have a large infestation. The least you can do to control its spread is not letting it set seed after it flowers.
Do not throw any bindweed, with flowers or without, on the compost pile, as bindweed regrows from cuttings. Instead, dispose of it in the trash.
Field Bindweed vs. Hedge Bindweed
Both field bindweed and hedge bindweed are members of the morning glory family, but they do have distinct differences. Field bindweed flowers are smaller (1 inch) than hedge bindweed flowers (1-3 inches), and field bindweed's leaves are smaller, too.
While field bindweed grows on the ground, can adapt to mowing, and is often found in lawns, hedge bindweed more often grows in gardens, where it can twine around other vegetation or fences for support.
Hedge bindweed is slightly easier to pull up as its roots are more shallow, but both are invasive and extremely difficult to control.
FAQ
How noxious is bindweed?
Bindweed is considered to be one of the most noxious weeds, because it is so challenging to fully eliminate. It can also reduce crop yields and is toxic to livestock.
Can't I just spray bindweed with glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills any plant, so you need to use is in a highly targeted manner and prevent any drifting. Getting rid of bindweed will likely require more than one application because the leaf and stem surface of the plant does not absorb herbicides well, and if the infestation is large, the herbicide won't reach all parts of the extensive root system.
Does shade prevent bindweed from growing?
Some gardeners find that plants or mulches that shade the ground may prevent bindweed from sprouting. Tough stemmed plants like pumpkins are not damaged by bindweed and shade the ground in a manner that keeps bindweed from sprouting.
Does mowing bindweed make it spread?
Fortunately, mowing bindweed will not make it spread. However, it does nothing to slow down growth, because mowing doesn't affect the underground weeds.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Field Bindweed. Washington State University Extension.
Guide to Poisonous Plants: Bindweed. Colorado State University.
Convolvulus arvensis. North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Controlling perennial bindweed takes persistence. Oregon State University Extension.
Bindweed Control in Lawns. Colorado State University.
Field Bindweed Management Guidelines. University of Carolina Extension.
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