vine

Field Bindweed

The Story

Plant Bio

Convolvulus arvensis is a highly resilient, trailing or climbing herbaceous perennial native to Europe and Asia that has naturalized widely across North America. It spreads via an extensive network of deep vertical taproots and creeping lateral rhizomes, producing simple, alternate leaves with characteristic arrowhead-shaped bases.

The species is distinguished by its funnel-shaped white to pale pink flowers that open during the day and close in cloudy weather or by afternoon. Its capacity to regenerate from minuscule root fragments makes it one of the most persistent and difficult-to-eradicate agricultural weeds.

Uses & Benefits:

None; the small white flowers do not justify the highly invasive and destructive growth habit.

None; the extensive root system stabilizes soil but at the cost of choking out all desirable vegetation.

Provides pollen and nectar for generalist native bees, honeybees, and syrphid flies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

48"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Wide Range

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to Livestock

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Identify emerging shoots early in spring, noting their light green, arrowhead-shaped leaves.
Sever the shoots at or just below the soil line using a sharp hoe to prevent photosynthesis.
Repeat this cutting process every ten to fourteen days throughout the growing season to deplete underground root reserves.
Apply a systemic herbicide directly to the foliage of mature stems during the flowering phase for deep root penetration.

Pro Tip

Never attempt to control this plant by rototilling or pulling, as severing the roots triggers rapid regeneration from every fragment. Instead, exhaust the root system by continuously severing new green shoots at the soil surface before they can photosynthesize, or apply systemic herbicides during the bud-to-bloom stage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back trailing stems regularly before they can set and disperse seeds.
Clean all gardening tools and machinery thoroughly after working in infested soil to prevent spreading root fragments.
Establish dense, competitive cover crops or native groundcovers to shade out emerging seedlings.

Don't

Do not rototill or deeply cultivate soil containing root systems, as this multiplies the infestation.
Do not add pulled plants with mature seed pods or root fragments to home compost piles.
Do not apply fertilizers to areas infested with this plant, as nutrient enrichment accelerates its growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

None (noxious weed)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Field Bindweed questions

What zones can Field Bindweed grow in?

Field Bindweed is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Field Bindweed deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Field Bindweed, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Field Bindweed bloom?

Field Bindweed typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Field Bindweed need full sun?

Field Bindweed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Field Bindweed drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Field Bindweed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.