Identification
Field bindweed is a prostrate or climbing weed with stems
up to 4 foot long. The alternate leaves are more or less
arrowhead shaped. The white flowers are trumpet-shaped or
bell-shaped and about one inch across.
Biology
Field bindweed has a deep taproot and does
well in arid regions. It is highly adaptable and does well
in many habitats. It flowers from June to frost in the fall
of the year. The seeds remain viable in the soil for about
50 years.
History
It is native to the eastern Mediterranean
region. It is now widely distributed in the United States
and is a pest nearly everywhere except the southeast.
Status
Field bindweed is a problem in cultivated
crops including corn, sugarbeets, wheat, soybeans and vineyards.
It is more serious in arid regions of the West.
Management
The long survival of the seeds in the soil
makes management difficult. The deep taproot allows for
good survival in dry conditions.
Agents
Literature
Whitson, T. D., L. C. Burrill, S. A. Dewey, D. W. Cudney,
B. E. Nelson, R. D Lee and R. Parker. 1991. Weeds of the
West. The Western Society of Weed Science. 630 pp.
Ciomperlik, M. A., J. M. Chandler, and C. J. DeLoach.
1992. Predation by the red imported fire ant on Tyta
luctuosa, released for control of field bindweed. Southwestern
Entomologist 17(3): 267-269.
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