Convolvulaceae
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Convolvulus arvensis
Field bindweed thrives with minimal care: full sun, occasional watering, and almost any soil type. It spreads aggressively via rhizomes and seed, so containment (not cultivation) is usually the main concern for gardeners.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
10° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Field Bindweed?
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a easy-care plant from the Convolvulaceae family. Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a fast-growing, rhizomatous perennial vine in the morning glory family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has become a widespread and highly invasive weed across temperate regions worldwide. Its funnel-shaped white or pale pink flowers open in summer, while its d...
Field Bindweed grows up to 2.0m, spread of 300cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Field Bindweed tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Field Bindweed is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Field Bindweed?
TLDR: Field Bindweed needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Field Bindweed?
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry; the plant is highly drought-tolerant once established and rarely needs supplemental irrigation outdoors.
How Much Light Does Field Bindweed Need?
Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily; the vine grows and flowers poorly in shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Field Bindweed?
Tolerates nearly any well-draining soil, from sandy to clay, and thrives even in poor or compacted ground.
What Pot Should You Use for Field Bindweed?
Best avoided in pots without root barriers; if grown ornamentally, use a deep, solid container with no drainage into garden soil to prevent rhizome escape.
What Is Field Bindweed and Where Does It Come From?
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a fast-growing, rhizomatous perennial vine in the morning glory family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has become a widespread and highly invasive weed across temperate regions worldwide. Its funnel-shaped white or pale pink flowers open in summer, while its deep, extensive root system makes it notoriously difficult to eradicate once established.
How to Propagate Field Bindweed?
Seed germination
Seeds can remain viable in soil for decades, so germination can occur unpredictably long after sowing.
- 1 Collect seeds from dried seed pods in late summer or fall
- 2 Scarify the hard seed coat lightly with sandpaper to improve germination
- 3 Sow directly in soil or moist potting mix
- 4 Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge
Materials needed:
Rhizome division
Even tiny rhizome fragments left in soil can regenerate into new plants, which is why this species is so invasive.
- 1 Dig up a section of root or rhizome with at least one node
- 2 Replant the fragment 5-8 cm deep in loose soil
- 3 Water lightly to settle the soil
- 4 Shoots typically emerge within a few weeks
Materials needed:
How Big Does Field Bindweed Grow?
TLDR: Field Bindweed can reach up to 2.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
2.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Historically used in folk medicine as a purgative/laxative, though use is discouraged due to alkaloid toxicity
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Field Bindweed?
TLDR: Field Bindweed is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Often seen as a symbol of tenacity and resilience, since it regenerates from even small root fragments left in the soil.
Fun Facts
A single field bindweed plant can develop roots extending several meters underground.
Its seeds can remain viable in the soil for several decades, waiting for the right conditions to sprout.
The flowers close during cloudy weather and at night, opening fully only in bright sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
Is field bindweed toxic to pets?
Why is field bindweed so hard to remove?
How often should I water field bindweed?
Can field bindweed be used ornamentally?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Peruvian peppertree | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ⚠️ |
