Field bindweed is a noxious weed that can invade lawns and landscapes and is very difficult to eradicate.
Bindweed is a vine with wiry stems and oval or arrow-shaped leaves that quickly twines around shrubs, grasses, fences, and anything else in its path. It has a deep taproot that makes it impossible to pull and can spread by both underground roots and seeds. The roots can send up new plants from lateral buds and the seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 50 years. Its flowers resemble morning glory flowers, are actually quite showy, and can be pink or white. This perennial weed grows throughout the year, smothering smaller plants and stealing nutrients from others.

The only non-chemical control for bindweed is to lay down black plastic on an area and “solarize” it over a season. Trying to pull it can be a decade long endeavor. Chemical controls can be effective but will have to be reapplied several times. Fertilome’s “Weed Free Zone” and “Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer” can both be effective with multiple applications and not damage the lawn. In flower beds, glysophate products are the best option.

Care should be taken to protect shrubs and perennials since this is a broad-spectrum killer. A piece of cardboard placed between the bindweed and the desirable plant can help keep from over-spraying. Again, multiple applications will most likely be needed.