1 / 4
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Bloom Information
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 pinkFoliage Description
Dark green, arrow-shaped (sagittate) with pointed basal lobes, smoothGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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