Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) Management in Lawns

Fabian Menalled (Cropland Weed Specialist) Reviewed 2004,

Sherry Lajeunesse, (Extension Urban Pest Management Specialist) 1997.

Field bindweed, the morning glory-type weed' is a perennial that can be a very persistent problem in gardens, flower beds, and other parts of the yard. The plant can grow prostrate, with stems up to ten feet long, or it can climb like a vine. Blossoms are white or pink and shaped like a funnel. This weed reproduces both by seed and by creeping roots. The root system is deep, growing as deep as 27 feet, so pulling or hoeing the weed is ineffective. According to one study, it required 13 years to eliminate bindweed using this method; any shoots that are missed will continue to nourish the vast root system. 

To control field bindweed in areas where it is well-established, the use of an herbicide can be more practical and usually much more effective. Herbicides that will move downward into the root system are required to kill the vegetative growth nodes on the roots of field bindweed. Spot applications of glyphosate herbicides, such as Roundup, can be used. Concentrate formulations of glyphosate, mixed according to label instructions, appear to work better than ready-to-use formulations. Remember that glyphosate is non-selective and will kill any plant that it touches. It is of relatively low toxicity, but must be applied carefully, touching only the plants you wish to kill. Herbicides that contain dicamba can also be effective against field bindweed on some sites, including the premixes of 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba. Dicamba can damage or kill trees and shrubs if used improperly, so it is important to read and follow all label instructions. Fall herbicide applications for field bindweed are most effective, applied shortly before frost. 

Avoid using these herbicides when the field bindweed needs water, because when plants are drought-stressed they slow down all internal activity, thus slowing transport of the systemic herbicides to the roots. Contact your county Extension agent for assistance in selection and application of herbicides. Read and follow label directions when using any pesticide, and be sure to wear any protective clothing required to protect your self from exposure to the pesticide. The minimum protective clothing includes long pants, long-sleeved shirt, wide brimmed hat, and unlined rubber gloves and rubber boots. Wear goggles and a dust mask if necessary. 

Mulching can sometimes be effective, but must be done with materials which bindweed can not penetrate, such as fabric weed barriers. The entire area infested must be covered for a minimum of one entire growing season, or longer. When fabric weed mats are used, the entire area should be mulched to eliminate shoots that emerge around the edges of between strips of mat, allowing the plants to survive. Horizontal roots can extend for many feet. Plastic mulches do not work because the weed can penetrate them.

Relatively new herbicides that are almost non-toxic are the soap-based herbicides. However, they will kill only the portion of the plant with which they come in contact, so in the case of deep-rooted perennials such as field bindweed, which reproduce from rootstalk as well as seed, the herbicidal soaps are ineffective. Unlike glyphosate or dicamba, they will not move down into the root system.

References: 

Fay, P., S. Dewey, T. Whitson, R. Sheley. 1995-1996. Montana Weed Management Handbook. Extension Service Pub. Montana State Univ - Bozeman. Bozeman, MT 59717. 245 pp. 

Flint, M.L. 1990. Pests of the Garden and Small Farm. University of California. 
Oakland, CA 94608-1239. Pub. #3332. 276 pp. 

Pacific Northwest Weed Control Handbooks. 1997. Extension Services of Oregon State University. Corvallis, OR 97331-0817. 

Ross, M., and C. Lembi. 1985. Applied Weed Science. Macmillan Pub. Co., New York, NY 10022. 340 pp. 

Field bindweed leaves and flowers.  Source: Weed Science Society of America photo herbarium

Disclosure. Common chemical and trade names are used in this publication for clarity by the reader. Inclusion of a common chemical or trade name does not imply endorsement of that particular product or brand of herbicide and exclusion

Categories: Weed, Bindweed, Lawn

Date: 04/15/2005