How do I get rid of it?

Consistent removal of all root fragments is necessary, as even small pieces can regrow.

Is it a good garden plant?

Generally no, as it is highly invasive and will quickly smother other garden plants.

Plant guide

Field bindweed.

Convolvulus arvensis

Pronounced kon-VOL-vyoo-lus ar-VEN-sis

Also known as Bindweed, Common Bindweed, Creeping Jenny, European Bindweed, European morning glory, Field Bindweed, Field Morning Glory

Field bindweed is a persistent perennial vine that is often considered a troublesome weed in gardens. It produces lovely trumpet shaped flowers that range from white to soft pink. You will find it spreads aggressively through deep underground rhizomes.

Another photo of Field bindweed — Photo by William Stephens (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial vine
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet long
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 10
Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

Care

This plant is extremely hardy and requires very little attention to thrive. Watch for it spreading into areas where you do not want it, as it can quickly overtake other plants. Pulling it by hand is difficult because any root fragments left behind will sprout again.

Watering: It is quite drought tolerant once established and only needs water during prolonged dry spells.
Feeding: Fertilizing is generally unnecessary as this plant thrives in poor soil conditions.
Pruning: Cut back stems regularly if you are trying to contain its spread.
Repotting: If grown in a container, move it to a larger pot only when the roots become severely crowded.
Soil: Well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -20 to 40°C
Humidity: 30 to 80%

Safety

People: The plant contains alkaloids that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Pets: This plant is considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep children away from the seeds as they are potentially toxic if swallowed.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen can be a minor irritant for those with hay fever.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and can cause digestive distress if ingested.

How to identify it

Arrowhead shaped green leaves
Trumpet shaped white or pink flowers
Twining stems that climb nearby structures
Deep and extensive root system

Height: 0.1 to 0.5m
Spread: 1 to 3m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, pink, 1.5 to 2.5cm
Fruit: brown, late summer

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
RustCommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Powdery MildewUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn

Avoid planting this near delicate perennials as it will quickly overwhelm them.

Grows well with

Tall fescue · It can sometimes hold its own against the aggressive spread of bindweed.

Similar species

Hedge bindweed · It has larger flowers and heart shaped leaves compared to field bindweed.

Science

Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Convolvulus
Order: Solanales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and temperate Asia.
Conservation: It is considered a noxious weed in many regions and is not of conservation concern.

It thrives in disturbed soils and open fields, using its aggressive growth to outcompete native vegetation.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: ground cover, wildflower meadow

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I get rid of it?: Consistent removal of all root fragments is necessary, as even small pieces can regrow.
Is it a good garden plant?: Generally no, as it is highly invasive and will quickly smother other garden plants.

Where the name comes from

The name Convolvulus comes from the Latin word convolvere, meaning to entwine, referring to its vining habit.

Good to know

It is commonly known as field bindweed.
The roots can reach depths of up to 9 meters in loose soil.
Seeds can remain viable in the soil for over 20 years.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your field bindweed growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.