Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Convolvulus |
| Family: | Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | Eurasia |
| Status: |
|
| Habitat: | sun; fields, waste areas |
| Bloom season: | June - September |
| Plant height: | 1 to 6 foot vine |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | none |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/field-bindweed_0622_102410.jpg)
1 to 2-inch across, stalked, funnel-shaped flower, with 1 to 4 flowers arising from the leaf axils. Each flower is 5 petals fused together with a spot of yellow at the throat; petal color is white to pink. A flower lasts only 1 day, opening on sunny mornings and closing in the afternoon.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/field-bindweed_0622_102822.jpg)
Leaves are 1 to 2 inches long and up to 1 inch across with smooth edges, alternately attached. Leaves are typically arrowhead-shaped with a pointed tip, but are somewhat variable. This vine lacks tendrils, so the stem wraps around other plants for support.
Notes:
Similar to Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium), but with smaller flowers and leaves. Field Bindweed is usually found creeping along the ground but may climb fences or other plants. It can form large mats from its spreading root system and is on the noxious weed list for some Minnesota counties.
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More photos
Field Bindweed plant
more plants
pink flowers
a mass of Field Bindweed
more flowersPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Long Lake Regional Park, Ramsey County. Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Goodhue County.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2010-06-18 14:17:32
Hi - Got this plant into the garden along w. perennials. Been trying for years to clean up - it's the hardiest weed I've ever encountered. Am gaining on it, but it is hard. Been told it's a morning glory, which is broadly true, the flowers are similar, but the leaves are arrow shaped, just like the pictures on this site. Thanks for your part in clearing up the mystery!
on: 2011-08-06 07:58:26
ARGH! this weed has turned up in my garden and going crazy. Its everywhere and would love to know how to get rid of this beast! Thanks, Mary
on: 2012-07-12 12:32:49
Today....12 July 2012....As I headed north from Faribault on Bagley Avenue towards county rd 1 and I encountered a few different locations in which Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) has reared its unwanted head. (stopped and grab a sample for identification) Just supplying the information as it is not indicated as a location (Rice Co.) on the geographical map. Don't shoot the messenger.
on: 2015-06-05 21:33:46
We found this one growing abundantly in my brother in laws back field. Very pretty to look at but I can see why they call it Bindweed....everything was all bound up!
on: 2015-07-04 16:44:44
i thought they looked like mourning glories very pretty are they a pesty weed . they are behind us in tall grass near a sorta swampy area
on: 2015-07-05 09:08:50
Brenda, there is a native morning glory that looks very similar to field bindweed, but has larger flowers - hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium). It typically grows in moister soils than field bindweed.
on: 2017-08-06 21:10:04
Have this growing in the yard a few years ago and thought it was morning glory until looking at Mn wildflower list today. We have seen it near Sibley Park also.
on: 2018-07-02 08:37:45
I've noticed a vine that is in a wooded area that wraps itself around branches, trees and anything it touches. I have not seen a flower, nor have I been able to find where it starts. I have pulled what I could reach and it untangles fairly easy, but would break before I could find the beginning.
on: 2020-07-26 20:32:54
I think this may have found a home at my place. A few years ago I found a morning glory vine in an old field (a former hayfield). It was not much, just a few spindly vines. Now it has expanded and there are more vines. So far no flowers so maybe it also spreads by rhizomes or roots? I have no idea how it got here. I am reasonably confident it is not Calystegia sepium which I'd rather have especially for the moth Bedellia somnulentella whose larvae mine into morning glory leaves. If you haven't guessed I plant native plants to feed moth caterpillars.
on: 2023-06-25 14:49:37
Initially was so excited to see this beautiful flower appear in my back yard in amongst the grass, which is more sparse due to no rain. After reading about it's invasiveness, am thinking I should pull it out and burn it. The birds must've gifted it to me: have never seen them before...
on: 2023-07-01 15:48:22
In over 20 years, I have never seen this plant on our shoreline. This year, it's covered the whole thing, even weaving through the cat tails and up trees. Our lake is not well, and I won't use chemicals. It's spreading fast. Weed whip around the trees is the best I can do.
on: 2023-07-03 08:26:29
While kayaking yesterday, I was excited to see the lovely white "morning glories" blooming along the wild shorelines of Lake Byllesby. It was not until I got home and read this that I found out they were actually considered noxious.
on: 2023-07-03 08:32:16
Laura and Christine, it is quite possible what you each saw was actually the native, Calystegia sepium, hedge bindweed.
on: 2023-08-24 23:46:46
Nasty things were choking the flowers at a gravestone.