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Integrated Crop Management
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Field bindweed

Field bindweed                                         Convolvulus arvensis L.

Family:   Convolvulaceae (Morningglory family)                
Life cycle:  Perennial, reproduces by seed and deep vegetative rootstocks
Native status: Introduced
Habitat:  Crop fields, fence lines, landscapes                      

General description:   Twining, herbaceous vine with alternate, lanceolate leaves.  Leaves of field bindweed typically are smaller than those of hedge bindweed.  White, funnel-shaped flower with two small bracts on flower stalk.  Produces an extensive network of underground rootstocks.

Key ID traits:  Base of leaves without distinct lobe; small bracts on flower stalk (pedicel) is separate from flowers.

Similar species:   Hedge bindweed generally has larger leaves with basal lobes; wild buckwheat is an annual and has ochrea at the base of leaf petioles and inconspicuous flowers;  honeyvine milkweed has opposite leaves;  morningglory species in Iowa either have heart-shaped (tall) or three-lobed (ivyleaf) leaves.

Miscellaneous:  Field bindweed is more aggressive in crop fields than hedge bindweed; it was one of the most severe weeds in Iowa prior to introduction of synthetic herbicides.  Frequently called creeping Jenny.
 

Growth habit of field bindweed
Growth habit of field bindweed.
Field bindweed leef and hedge bindweed leaf
Field bindweed (top) leaves lack the basal lobes present on hedge bindweed (bottom). The petiole of field bindweed is parallel to the blade, whereas on hedge bindweed the petiole comes off below the blade.
White Funnelhorn flower
The funnelform flowers are normally white, but occasionally light pink varieties occur.
Small sepals are seperated from flower
Small sepals on field bindweed pedicels.

 

Field bindweed in low-maintenance turf
Field bindweed is able to adapt to mowing in low-maintenance turf.

 

Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.
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