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Field Bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis
Updated Oct 26, 2024
 
1

Make a Positive Identification

  • Field bindweed is a perennial (long-lived) plant that dies back to the ground in the winter. This herbaceous (soft stems and leaves), vining plant has white-to-pink flowers.
  • Field bindweed spreads by seed and root fragments. Root fragments as small as 2 inches long form new plants.
  • Once seeds take root, individual plants spread with an extensive underground root system.
Species: Field Bindweed
Field bindweed patch

Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Field bindweed forms a dense mat of vines and leaves on the ground. It also climbs and overtakes other plants, fences, and trellises.

Species: Field Bindweed
Field bindweed leaves and flower on a stem compared to ruler

Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Mature plants have arrow-shaped leaves that range from ½–2 inches long.

Species: Field Bindweed
Pink and white field bindweed flowers

"serprud-024" by Vlad Proklov is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Flowers range in color from white to pink. It flowers during the summer and early fall.

Species: Field Bindweed
Bindweed stems and roots compared to 1 foot ruler

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Field bindweed’s root system grows horizontally about 12–18 inches deep. The photo shows a field bindweed plant with root system and offshoots.

Species: Field Bindweed
Field bindweed seeds compared to ruler (millimeter scale)

Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Mature field bindweed plants produce dozens to hundreds of seeds like those shown in the photo. Seeds remain viable in the soil for many decades.

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LOOK-ALIKES: MORNING GLORY AND HEDGE BINDWEED
Species: Morning Glory
Morning glory vine with blue flowers

YangYin, iStock

Morning glory (Ipomoea spp.) are common garden vines in the same plant family (Convolvulaceae) as field bindweed. Their flowers are larger (up to 2 inches across) than field bindweed’s flowers. Morning glory flowers vary between white to blue or purple as shown in the photo.

Different risks or methods

Morning glory is a weedy garden plant. It doesn't spread to new areas and take over like field bindweed and hedge bindweed.

Species: Hedge Bindweed
Hedge bindweed on fence

Magdevski, iStock

Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) is another weedy vine in the same plant family as field bindweed. It has larger leaves and flowers than field bindweed. The leaves have a more distinct arrow shape.

Take action
How to Get Rid of Hedge Bindweed
 
2

Field Bindweed Benefits

  • Field bindweed is an aggressive weed. It doesn’t have any benefits for people or the environment.
 

Field Bindweed Risks

  • Field bindweed vines create dense mats that cover the ground.
  • It also climbs and smothers crops and ornamental plants.
  • It may overgrow structures such as fences and trellises.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
None
Property
High
Pets
None
Annoyance
High
Environment
High
Action Recommended
 
3

Take Action

If you have field bindweed on your property, take action to control it in garden, landscape, orchard, and lawn areas.

Do I need to take action?
Yes. Remove individual plants and small patches. Established patches require several years to control.

What if I do nothing?
If left unmanaged, field bindweed forms a dense mat of vines and leaves that smothers other plants. It has little food value to native animals and insects. Field bindweed reduces the habitat value of an area by excluding native plants.

 
4

Prevent Field Bindweed

Field bindweed seedlings

Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Look for Field Bindweed Seedlings and Regrowth
  • Return to the site after control activities and look for regrowth. Field bindweed regrows from root fragments. Take action as needed.
  • Look for field bindweed seedlings like those shown in the photo. Also watch for regrowth from roots underground.
Gloved hand using metal brush to clean shovel

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Remove Dirt from Shoes and Equipment
  • After working or traveling in a patch of field bindweed, clean your boots and tools. Use a wire brush to remove soil and seeds.
  • If you drive into the field bindweed patch, clean your vehicle.
Landscape area with native plants growing densely together

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Install New Plants
  • Take care of the plants to get them established and suppress field bindweed regrowth.
  • Replanting stabilizes the soil surface, shades bindweed seedlings, and creates habitat.
  • Field bindweed infestation and removal activities may significantly damage a site. There may be few or no remaining desirable plants.
  • Plan for at least 2-3 years of monitoring and maintenance.
  • Your local Extension specialist, soil and water conservation district, or a professional revegetation specialist can suggest strategies for your area.
 
5
Solutions for Field Bindweed

Early Detection & Rapid Response

Watch for field bindweed on property you manage. Remove it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Physically Remove Plants & Non-Chemical Options

Dig out plants by the roots when the soil is moist. Remove as much of the roots as you can.

Herbicides (Weed Killers)

Herbicides effectively control field bindweed when used according to the label instructions.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Following removal, return to the area during the growing season. Look for regrowth and seedlings. Take action as needed.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

Jump to

Method Does it work? Is it safe? Recommendation
A
Physically Remove Plants
Effective
Low risk
Recommended
B
Control with Herbicides
Effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
C
If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
 
A

Physically Remove Plants

Non-Chemical Method

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Physically Remove Plants

Recommended

You must remove the root to keep the plant from coming back.

Does it work?
Effective
  • It requires several years of monitoring and effort to get rid of field bindweed.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
High effort
  • Dig out plants. Sift soil and remove stem and root fragments.
  • Remove shoot regrowth weekly (as much as possible) to starve the root system.
What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE
  • Hand-pull and dig plants when the soil is moist. Mowing is not recommended.
  • Dispose of plants in the green waste container.
Bindweed stems and roots compared to 1 foot ruler

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

  • Hand-pull and dig plants. It’s easiest to remove field bindweed plants in early spring when the soil is moist.
  • Field bindweed’s root system grows horizontally many feet beyond the root crown. In addition, it also sends roots several feet deep into the soil as shown by the ruler in the photo.
  • It is difficult to remove the entire root system of mature plants. Be careful to remove as much of the root and stem fragments as you can.
  • Mowing is not recommended. The plant root systems will produce new shoots.
Green waste bin on curb

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

  • Put field bindweed roots and stems in your green waste bin. Or take it to a local green waste composting facility.
  • If you compost bindweed at your site, dry the plant materials before you compost it. Freshly dug plants will regrow if placed directly in a compost pile.

Soil Disturbance and Erosion

  • Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible.
  • Regrade the soil after digging field bindweed roots. Apply mulch (when appropriate).
  • Take steps to prevent erosion as needed.
  • Replant the area to shade field bindweed seedlings.
 
B

Control with Herbicides

Chemical Method: Use with caution

iStock

Control with Herbicides

Use if Necessary
Does it work?
Effective
  • Herbicides can effectively control field bindweed when used according to label directions.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Moderate effort
  • It requires several years of monitoring and effort to get rid of field bindweed.
  • Treat individual field bindweed plants and patches.
  • Return to the area each year and take action as needed.
What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
  • Herbicides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Some herbicides are available for home use. Some are listed below. These active ingredients are suggested chemical treatments to control field bindweed. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.

  • 2,4-D
  • Dicamba
  • Glyphosate
  • MCPP-P
  • Quinclorac

Suggested active ingredients are from the Pesticide Information Center Online (PICOL) Database. They are permitted for HOME use in Oregon. Read the label for application directions and effectiveness information.

ONLY professional pesticide applicators can use Restricted-Use Pesticides (RUP) that may be more effective. For larger stands of field bindweed contact a licensed pesticide applicator with experience controlling field bindweed.

Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredient glyphosate

Sample product label with Active Ingredient highlighted

  • A white box on the example label highlights active ingredient glyphosate. 
  •  The text on the label states “Kills grass and weeds around flower beds, trees, shrubs....”

Herbicide Application Tips

  • These ingredients will damage most plants and grasses. Don’t let the spray contact plants you want to keep.
  • Apply herbicide to field bindweed when it is actively growing from spring through fall.
  • Herbicide treatments are less effective if the plants are stressed due to lack of water.
  • Expect that field bindweed will regrow after treatment with herbicides. Look for regrowth and re-treat as needed.
  • Using herbicides comes with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
Minimize the potential impact of herbicides to bees and other pollinators. Treat field bindweed plants before or after they flower. If plants are blooming when you need to treat them, apply in the morning or evening when bees are less active. Avoid spraying pollinators directly. For more information, see OSU’s How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides 
 

If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks

Chemical Method: Use with Caution
Great blue heron in marsh

BrianLasenby, iStock

Why is it important to read herbicide labels?

  • They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
  • They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
  • They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
  • Following label instructions helps you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

Key Herbicide Safety Tips

  • Read the entire label front to back.
  • Follow the instructions.
  • Review the instructions even for brands you know.
  • Only apply the product where the label says it can be applied.
  • Be precise in your application. More is not better.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using herbicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the herbicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an herbicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

  • Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
  • Use a magnifying glass for small print.
  • Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
  • Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
  • The law states you must read and follow herbicide instructions.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants

  • Wear the right protective gear. This often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
  • Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
  • Take a shower immediately after handling herbicides.
  • Wash clothes worn while mixing or applying separately from other laundry.

Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plants before it dries.

  • Keep them away during and after applying herbicides (read label for how long).
  • Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
  • Don’t track herbicide products into your home on shoes or clothes.

Protect Plants You Want to Keep

  • Glyphosate and similar herbicide ingredients damage both grass and broadleaf plants.
  • Minimize spraying of foliage, stems, exposed roots, or the trunks of desirable shrubs or trees to avoid harm.
  • Follow the label to avoid damaging the roots of trees and shrubs.

Avoid Wet, Windy, or Hot Weather
Use during favorable weather for best results.

  • Don’t spray when it’s raining or when rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
  • Wind causes spray to drift that can get on you and desired plants.
  • Herbicides may be less effective in hot weather if the target plants are moisture-stressed.
  • Some herbicides can turn into a vapor in hot weather and damage nearby plants.

Storage & Disposal

  • Store in a secure area away from children.
  • Don’t put unused herbicide products in the trash.
  • Never pour down any drain or waterway.
  • Take unused herbicides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call  1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of herbicides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call  503-234-3000, email   or visit Metro’s website  

More about:

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management  (Oregon Department of Agriculture).

NEED HELP?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

Invasive Species Alert

  • Invasives are non-native species that spread aggressively and alter the environment.
  • Controlling field bindweed is costly.
  • Please do your part to control field bindweed on property you manage.
open Map static invasive map
Invasive species data @ 2022, iMapInvasives (NatureServe)

Field bindweed is already widespread in Oregon. There’s no need to report infestations of it.

View Larger Map >
SEE OTHER COMMON PACIFIC NORTHWEST WEEDS

Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writers Jessica Green and J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.

  Peer review facilitated by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann completed a Physical Science undergraduate degree at Humboldt State University, and M.S, Ph.D focusing on plant science topics at UC Davis. He went on to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in a leadership position serving a private agricultural technology company. He currently lives in Sacramento California where he consults on pest and property management topics.

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.

Field Bindweed References

Field Bindweed  
University of California IPM

Field Bindweed  (PDF)
King County, Washington

Field Bindweed or Morning glory (pdf) 
Thurston County (WA) Environmental Health Division