Field bindweed

General description

Perennial scrambling or trailing vine. Roots are deep and rhizomatous. Leaves are linear to arrow-shaped and alternate. Flowers are funnel-shaped, < 3 cm in diameter, pink/white and usually solitary. Fruit is round, hairless, light brown and contains hard, dark seeds.

What you need to know

Although field bindweed is not a legally declared pest plant, it may still be invasive in some situations. Consider lower risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Habitats

Riparian margins, grasslands, pasture, crops, disturbed sites, roadsides.

Dispersal

Seeds dispersed by birds and water. Vegetative spread from rhizomes and root fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through movement of contaminated soil, crops, vehicles, machinery and equipment.

Impact on environment

Outcompetes and smothers native vegetation. Alters habitat structure. Impedes harvesting of crops.

Control

Site management

Cut and pull vines away from desirable trees and native plants. Follow up treated areas 3 times per year.

Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Recommended approaches

Physical control

Method: Dig out.

Plant parts requiring disposal: Seeds and rhizomes.

Disposal options: Small amounts can be rotted in a covered water barrel or remove to greenwaste or landfill.

Biocontrol

Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.

Community agrichemical control recommendations

No qualifications: Cut vines and leave upper stems to die in trees.

Cut stump and spray freshly cut base of stems with 100ml glyphosate green per 1L of water

Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water