Field Bindweed: How to Identify and Control It
Convolvulus arvensis · Perennial vine
How to identify field bindweed
- Arrowhead-shaped leaves on twining vines
- White to pale pink funnel-shaped flowers
- Wraps counter-clockwise around plants and fences
- Very deep, extensive root system
Why it shows up
Disturbed soil and gardens. Roots can reach many feet deep and seeds remain viable in soil for many years, making it one of the hardest weeds to eradicate.
Control methods
1. Cultural (prevention)
- Avoid tilling infested areas, which spreads root fragments
- Plant competitive cover crops or dense plantings
2. Mechanical
- Cut or pull repeatedly (every 1–2 weeks) to exhaust roots — persistence over seasons is required
3. Organic options
- Heavy mulch or landscape fabric over cleared beds
- Bindweed gall mite is a biocontrol used in some western states
4. Chemical options
Herbicide safety: The label is the law. Use only products labeled for your site and grass type, follow rate, timing, and weather directions exactly, wear listed protective equipment, keep people and pets off treated areas as directed, and check state and local rules. Active ingredients named here are examples, not endorsements.
- Systemic herbicides such as glyphosate spot-applied to foliage (avoid contact with desirable plants)
- Repeat treatments are usually needed
Frequently asked questions
How do I get rid of field bindweed naturally?
Start with cultural and mechanical controls: Avoid tilling infested areas, which spreads root fragments; Plant competitive cover crops or dense plantings; Cut or pull repeatedly (every 1–2 weeks) to exhaust roots — persistence over seasons is required.
What does field bindweed look like?
Arrowhead-shaped leaves on twining vines; White to pale pink funnel-shaped flowers; Wraps counter-clockwise around plants and fences; Very deep, extensive root system.
More weed guides
Crabgrass · Dandelion · White Clover · Yellow Nutsedge · Common Chickweed · Broadleaf Plantain · Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy) · All weeds
Planning your garden? See when to plant in Delaware and our state planting calendars.