Eastern Forest Threat Center - Field Bindweed

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Field bindweed

Field bindweed

Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

Field Bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis

Field bindweed is native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It is one of the most serious weeds of agricultural fields in temperate regions of the world.

Keywords: Convolvulaceae, perennial, vine; Common names: creeping jenny or Charlie, wild morning glory, devil's guts, possession vine, corn bind

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Field bindweed is a perennial vine that grows 0.4 - 2 in. in height, arising from deep, persistent, spreading roots. It has slender, trailing to somewhat twining, branched stems that are 8 to 79 in. long. Simple leaves are variable, 0.4 to 4 in. long and 0.1 to 2.4 in. wide. Peduncles arise from leaf axils and bear 1 to 3 white or pink flowers from June to August. Fruits that appear June to September contain 1 to 4 dark brown or black sub ovate seeds. Field bindweed spreads by seeds and rhizomes. Taproots with a large numbers of annual lateral roots, 2 to 10 ft. long, develop throughout its length and penetrate the soil in all directions. Field bindweed is found in a wide range of habitats including orchards, vineyards, roadsides, stream banks, lake shores, ditches, and croplands. This species prefers strong sunlight and moderate-to-low moisture; it does not grow in wet soils. Field bindweed intertwines and topples native species and poses threats to restoration efforts and riparian corridors by choking out grasses and forbs. It can decrease habitat biodiversity as it competes with other species for sunlight, moisture and nutrients.