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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Hedge Bindweed
Calystegia sepium
Updated Oct 26, 2024
Make a Positive Identification
- Hedge 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.
- Hedge bindweed spreads by seed and root fragments. Root fragments as small as 2 inches long form new plants.
- Individual plants spread with an extensive underground root system.
Species: Hedge bindweed
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Hedge bindweed forms a dense mat of vines and leaves on the ground. It often climbs and overtakes other plants, fences, and any adjacent structure. The photo shows hedge bindweed growing up a fence.
Species: Hedge bindweed
"Calystegia sepium" by dhobern is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Mature plants have triangular or arrow-shaped leaves that range from 2–5 inches long. The bottoms of hedge bindweed leaves are squared off or rounded compared to field bindweed. The vines are often reddish-tinged and grow up to 10 feet long.
Species: Hedge bindweed
"KRTsn Calystegia sepium Snowy River Orbost-Marlo" by kevinthiele1 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Hedge bindweed spreads by vines supporting flowers that are 2.5–5 inches long and 1–2 inches wide. Look for flowers in late spring throughout summer. The flowers produce 2–4 grey-to-brown-black seeds that persist for decades in the soil. Hedge bindweed also spreads by rhizomes (roots).
Species: Hedge bindweed
Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The photo shows a hedge bindweed plant with rhizomes sprouting new above-ground shoots. Hedge bindweed’s root system may spread horizontally up to 10 feet and many feet deep. The extensive root system allows the plant to avoid drought conditions. Look for seedlings and shoots from mature plants in early spring.
Species: Hedge bindweed
Ken Chamberlain, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Hedge bindweed plants produce dozens to hundreds of seeds like those shown in the photo. Seeds remain viable in the soil for decades.
LOOK-ALIKES: MORNING GLORY AND FIELD BINDWEED
Species: Morning Glory
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 blossoms. 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: Field bindweed
iStock
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvense) is another weedy vine in the same plant family as hedge bindweed. It has smaller leaves and flowers than hedge bindweed. The leaves have a more distinct arrow shape that grow from a pointed base.
Take action
Solutions for hedge bindweed are similar to the control methods for field bindweed.
Hedge Bindweed Benefits
Hedge bindweed is an aggressive weed. It doesn’t have any benefits for people or the environment.
Hedge Bindweed Risks
- If left unmanaged, hedge bindweed forms a dense mat of vines and leaves that smothers crops and ornamental plants
- It may overgrow structures such as fences and trellises.
- Hedge bindweed reduces the habitat value of an area by excluding native plants.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
None
Property
High
Pets
None
Annoyance
High
Environment
High
Action Recommended
Take action to control this aggressive weed.
Take Action
If you have hedge bindweed on your property, take action to control its spread.
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, hedge 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.
Prevent More Hedge Bindweed
Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Look for Hedge Bindweed Seedlings and Regrowth
- Return to the site after control activities and look for regrowth. Hedge bindweed regrows from root fragments. Take action as needed.
- Look for hedge bindweed seedlings like those shown in the photo. Also watch for regrowth from roots underground.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Remove Dirt from Shoes and Equipment
- After working or traveling in a patch of hedge bindweed, clean your boots and tools. Use a wire brush to remove soil and seeds.
- If you drive into the hedge bindweed patch, clean your vehicle.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Install New Plants
- Take care of the plants to get them established and suppress hedge 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.
Solutions for Hedge Bindweed
Early Detection and Rapid Response
Watch for hedge bindweed on property you manage. Remove it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Physically Remove Plants and Non-Chemical Options
- Dig out plants by the roots when the soil is moist. Remove as much of the roots as you can.
- Hedge bindweed will regrow from root fragments left in the soil.
Herbicides (Weed Killers)
- Preventive measures are the best method of control.
- Herbicides effectively control hedge bindweed when used according to the label instructions.
Monitoring and 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
|
| How much effort? | High effort
|
| 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.
Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
HEDGE BINDweed Removal Tips
- Dig out plants and sift the soil for roots and stem fragments. Hedge bindweed will regrow from root fragments left in the soil.
- Dispose of hedge bindweed stems and roots in the green waste stream.
- If tillage is used to chop vines and expose roots, make sure the soil remains dry so the rhizomes/roots dry out.
Soil Disturbance and Erosion
- Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible.
- Regrade the soil after digging hedge bindweed roots. Apply mulch (when appropriate).
- Take steps to prevent erosion as needed.
- Replant the area to shade hedge bindweed seedlings.
B
Control with Herbicides
Chemical Method: Use with caution
iStock
Control with Herbicides
Use if Necessary
| Does it work? | Effective
|
| How much effort? | Moderate effort
|
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk
|
| 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:
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 hedge 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 hedge bindweed contact a licensed pesticide applicator with experience controlling hedge bindweed.
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 hedge 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 hedge 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 hedge 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
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 may 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 Pollinators
- Apply in the early morning or evening when bees are less active.
- Kill weeds before they flower. Avoid spraying flowering plants.
- Do not spray on bees or insects.
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.
Don’t Spray into Water
- It’s illegal to apply herbicides in a stream or slow moving/wetland pool.
- You need a product registered for aquatic areas. This includes waterways, ditches, drains, and other places where water collects.
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.
Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writers Signe Danler and J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.
Peer review facilitated by OSU Department of Horticulture.
HEDGE BINDWEED REFERENCES
Hedge Bindweed Identification and Control
King County, Washington
Bindweeds: Field and Hedge Bindweed
Cornell University