What hardiness zones is Convolvulus arvensis suitable for?

Convolvulus arvensis is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Convolvulus arvensis?

Convolvulus arvensis requires Full Sun.

How much water does Convolvulus arvensis need?

Convolvulus arvensis has Low water needs.

Convolvulus arvensis, field bindweed, morning glory

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Herbaceous

Convolvulus arvensis

field bindweed, morning glory

ConvolvulaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitVining

FoliageDeciduous

Height24-72 inches (60-180 cm)

Width36-120 inches (90-300 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 10

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancehigh

Overview

Convolvulus arvensis is a deep-rooted, twining herbaceous perennial vine in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) growing 2–6 feet (0.6–1.8 m) in length per season and spreading extensively by lateral roots. Stems are slender, smooth to finely hairy, twining counterclockwise around adjacent plants and structures, or trailing along the ground. Leaves are alternate, arrow-shaped (sagittate), 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, with pointed basal lobes, on short petioles. Flowers are funnel-shaped, 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) across, white to pale pink, borne singly or in pairs on slender axillary peduncles. Individual flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon, each lasting 1–2 days. Fruit is a round capsule containing 1–4 dark brown seeds. The root system is the primary competitive feature: a deep taproot descends 10–20 feet (3–6 m) or more, with lateral roots extending horizontally 10–30 feet (3–9 m) from the parent plant at depths of 6–24 inches (15–60 cm). Adventitious shoots emerge from lateral root buds. Root fragments as small as 2 inches (5 cm) regenerate. A single plant produces 25–300 seeds per season; seeds remain viable in soil for 20–50 years. Classified as a noxious weed in most U.S. states and considered one of the most difficult-to-manage weeds in temperate agriculture worldwide.

Native Range

Native to Europe and Asia, occurring in cultivated fields, vineyards, orchards, gardens, roadsides, and waste ground from sea level to approximately 8,000 feet (2,400 m). Introduced to North America in the 1700s; now naturalized across all 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces. Particularly problematic in irrigated agriculture in the western United States.

Suggested Uses

Used extensively in weed management education as a model for deep-rooted perennial weed biology. Studied in root physiology, carbohydrate reserve dynamics, and competitive interference research. Included in weed identification training to differentiate from Calystegia sepium (hedge bindweed) and annual Ipomoea species.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Calystegia sepium (hedge bindweed) by smaller flowers 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) across versus 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm), the absence of large bracts enclosing the calyx, and smaller, arrow-shaped leaves with pointed (versus squared-off) basal lobes. Leaves are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long on short petioles. Stems are slender and smooth to finely hairy. The extensive deep root system, detectable only by excavation, is the primary distinguishing feature from annual morning glories (Ipomoea species).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 6'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

SpringSummerFall

Flowers from May through October, producing new blooms continuously on extending vines over a 12–16 week period. Individual flowers open in the morning and wilt by afternoon. In the Pacific Northwest, flowering begins in late May and continues until first frost. Self-pollinating but also visited by bees. Seeds mature 3–4 weeks after pollination.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale pink

Foliage Description

Dark green, arrow-shaped (sagittate) with pointed basal lobes, smooth

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysandsiltchalk

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Classified as a noxious weed in most U.S. states; one of the most persistent perennial weeds in temperate agriculture. The deep root system (10–20 feet / 3–6 m) stores carbohydrate reserves that support regrowth after repeated defoliation. Hand-pulling removes above-ground growth and shallow roots but does not reach the deep taproot or lateral root network. Repeated pulling every 2–3 weeks throughout the growing season for 4–7 years gradually depletes root carbohydrate reserves. Tilling fragments roots and can spread infestations if fragments are distributed. Solarization with clear plastic during hot summer months (6–8 weeks) reduces root viability in the upper soil profile. Dense competitive plantings of alfalfa or perennial grasses suppress bindweed by reducing light availability. Root carbohydrate reserves are lowest at the full-bloom stage; defoliation at this timing causes maximum depletion.

Pruning

No pruning applicable. Management involves repeated defoliation to deplete root energy reserves. Cutting or pulling vines every 2–3 weeks prevents seed set and gradually weakens the root system. Vines that have intertwined with desirable plants are cut at the base rather than pulled to avoid host plant damage. Complete eradication from a site typically requires 4–7 years of sustained management.

Maintenance Level

high

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic