Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

Field bindweed (*Convolvulus arvensis*) is a native Eurasian plant related to morning glory. It is considered an invasive species in non-native areas because it competes with other plants for sunlight and moisture. Field bindweed is very hard to eradicate because its taproots grow so deep, and its seeds can remain viable for decades.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Convolvulus arvensis, or field bindweed, is a species of bindweed in the Convolvulaceae native to Europe and Asia.

Other common names, mostly obsolete, include lesser bindweed, European bindweed, withy wind (in basket willow crops), perennial morning glory, small-flowered morning glory, creeping jenny, and possession vine.

Convolvulus arvensis is a perennial vine that typically climbs to 1 meter (3.3 ft). The vine produces woody rhizomes from which it resprouts in the spring, or when the aboveground vines are removed.

The leaves are spirally arranged, linear to arrowhead-shaped, 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) long and alternate, with a 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) petiole. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) diameter, white or pale pink, with five slightly darker pink radial stripes. Flowering occurs in the mid-summer (in the UK, between June and September) when white to pale pink, funnel-shaped flowers develop. Flowers are approximately 0.75–1 in (1.9–2.5 cm) across and are subtended by small bracts. Fruit are light brown, rounded and 0.125 inches (3.2 mm) wide. Each fruit contains 2 or 4 seeds that are eaten by birds and can remain viable in the soil for decades. The stems climb by twisting around other plant stems in a counter-clockwise direction.

Plants are typically found inhabiting farmland, waste places, along roads, in pastures, grassy slopes, and also along streams in North America. It is able to colonize hot asphalt surfaces by covering it from the sides of roads, and worm its way between pavement stones. It grows from 600 to 4,500 meters (2,000 to 14,800 ft) in altitude in China, and is absent from the warmer southern provinces. It prefers dry areas with humus-poor, nutrient-rich and alkaline soils. It is a characteristic species in the phytosociological vegetation association Convolvulo-Agropyretum, belonging to the couch grass dry grasslands alliance (called Convolvulo-Agropyrion repentis in syntaxonomy).

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Field bindweed, or Convolvulus arvensis, is an outdoor plant, so it does require plenty of sunlight. It would require around 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. You can plant them near a windowsill if it receives enough sunlight daily.

Watering

Thriving in its native habitat of fields and open areas, field bindweed is accustomed to moderate water availability. This species exhibits a balance between drought resistance and the need for consistent moisture. It benefits from watering every week to maintain this equilibrium. Typically grown outdoors due to its expansive growth habit, field bindweed is an herbaceous plant that displays increased water needs during its active growing season to support its vigorous development.

Soil

Convolvulus arvensis prefers well-drained soil that has nutrients. There is no need for humus-rich soil since the plant can even grow beside dumpsters. You can use normal garden soil mixed with some compost. Additionally, you can use perlite to make it more permeable. It grows well when directly planted on the ground, so it’s better to grow it outdoors. However, you can simply pot the plant on your balcony if you lack space.

Planting Instructions

• The best time to plant your Convolvulus arvensis is during the spring or fall. 
• You should start by digging a hole about twice as wide as the root ball of the plant, then add a layer of compost to help keep it from drying out over time. 
• Next, add some water-retaining mulch, such as pine needles or straw, to help keep moisture levels up while you’re waiting for the roots to get established before planting it into your garden bed or container.
• Make sure that there’s enough room on all sides so that the plant has more space to grow.
• In areas with mild winters or where summers are short enough not to damage the plant’s root systems, it may be possible to grow it indoors under lights all year round.
• Once you’ve planted your seeds, they will need water every day until they germinate, after which they’ll need to be watered twice a week.

III. Uses and Benefits 

Ornamental uses

Field bindweed is liked for its heart-shaped leaves and pretty flowers. It is a spreading plant that can be grown as ground cover or as a hedge plant. It can also be grown over trellises or to cover unsightly areas. It may also be grown as an indoor plant. However, care must be taken to not allow it to strangle other plants.

Medicinal uses

The plants also have some great medicinal benefits, so it’s important to have them in your home. A number of herbal teas are made from Convolvulus arvensis that help with certain infections and medical problems. 

Here are some of the top benefits of field bindweed that are unknown to many people.

• Antibacterial properties

The antibacterial property of Convolvulus arvensis makes the plant an excellent cure for wounds and bruises. The extract of this plant will remove germs and bacteria from wounds and prevent the spread of infection. Additionally, they can be useful in marinating personal hygiene since it inhibits yeast infection in women.

• Laxative effects

The laxative effects of Convolvulus arvensis make it an excellent cure for constipation. People suffering from irritable bowel movements can also greatly benefit from the plant. The purgative effect of field bindweed also makes it excellent for solving digestive issues.

• Anti-inflammatory properties 

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Convolvulus arvensis are useful for treating skin conditions and infections. They can relieve pain and swelling from allergies that can be very painful and uncomfortable for people. Additionally, the plant can cure sunburns and heal skin inflammation problems.

IV. Control and management

Bindweed is difficult to eliminate. Roots may extend as far as 9 feet (2.7 m) deep, according to one source, or 30 feet (9.1 m), according to another. New plants may sprout from seeds that are up to 20 years old. New plants can also form from root runners and root fragments.

Methods for controlling bindweed include:

• Physical removal: Bindweed can be controlled by pulling it out by hand or plowing it up every three weeks, for three up to seven years.
• Mulching: Applying a thick barrier to block sun may control bindweed.
• Soil solarization for six to nine weeks in California was found to kill seedlings entirely, and control adult plants, but only for three weeks after treatment.
• Boiling water, placed on the plant, only practical for small areas.
• Biological control: Some insects and mites can eat, distort or stunt bindweed, but do not fully control it.
• Grazing: In Minnesota, sheep are able to consistently completely rid an infested pasture of the bindweed in two seasons, but only when the pasture is used to grow annual grains.
• In general, plant species which grow vigorously in the winter and early spring are best at smothering emerging shoots.
• It can be controlled by glyphosate.
• Other herbicides usually recommended for this species are 2,4-D, dicamba, picloram, quinclorac and paraquat.