Field Bindweed

Convolvulaceae

LIFE FORM: Perennial

NATIVITY: Eurasia

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

Twining plant that can reach 10 to 12 feet in length that can climb on vegetation or trail on the ground; arrowhead shaped leaves.

FLOWERS:

Small white flowers (sometimes pink) are produced through the summer and into the fall.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Spread by seeds and rhizomes.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

Minimally maintained public parks and open space; woodlands that develop on abandoned open space; freshwater wetlands, ponds and streams; chain-link fence lines.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Disturbance-adapted colonizer.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This plant can be very difficult to eradicate because of its ability to sprout from rhizomes; used medicinally in Europe.