Field bindweed is a prostrate or twining weed which spreads by seed and by new plants arising from a perennial root system reaching ten feet or more in depth. The slender stems may reach six feet in length, running along the ground or climbing fences, crop plants, ornamentals, or other convenient supports. Leaves are alternate and generally arrowhead-shaped, with blunt to pointed tips. Leaves may reach up to two inches long. Pink to white, funnel-shaped flowers about an inch wide are produced on short stems from the leaf axils. Four dull brown to black seeds are produced in each small, round capsule. Buried seeds can remain viable for up to fifty years. Plants can regenerate from root pieces remaining more than five feet beneath the surface. Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) is similar in growth habit, but is usually a more robust plant with large (up to 3 inches), pure white to pink flowers and deep green, heart-shaped leaves that reach 1 to 5 inches in length. SPECIAL INFORMATION: Cultural control measures often depend on depleting food reserves in the roots and may require several years to be effective. In WASHINGTON, field bindweed is designated as a Class 'C' noxious weed. In OREGON, it is designated as both a Class 'B' noxious weed and a target or 'T' weed subject to priority prevention and control. It is also on the Oregon noxious weed quarantine list, which prohibits sale, purchase, and transport of plants, seeds, and plant parts. Management may be required by law in your county. Consult your local Noxious Weed Control Board for more information.

Habitat

Field bindweed grows in waste areas and cultivated areas including fields and gardens. It most abundant in the western states, but is distributed throughout much of the U. S.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

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.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Apply according to label directions. Multiple applications will be necessary. Glyphosate products should be applied as spot treatments only! NOTE: Some ingredients listed here are only available in combination. Read the label carefully on combination products to make sure the product is suitable for your specific situation.

Landscape areas

glyphosate
products containing triclopyr
products containing 2,4-D

Turf areas

products containing 2,4-D
triclopyr

Bare ground areas

glyphosate
products containing 2,4-D
triclopyr

Images

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Caption: Field bindweed flowers and leaves Photo by: D.G. Swan
Caption: Field bindweed growing prostrate Photo by: D.G. Swan
Caption: Field bindweed flower Photo by: R. Parker
Caption: Field bindweed roots Photo by: D.G. Swan

WSU Extension

Hortsense