There are only a couple flower beds here that have bindweed, and reading how it is transmitted, I think it got here when plants were transplanted from other yards to ours.



Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is one of the most invasive weeds in the U. S. It will run for 30 to 40 feet under landscape fabric and mulch to emerge to the sunlight. Once it gets a foothold, it is extremely hard to eradicate. Field bindweed is a deep-rooted perennial weed that has adapted to most of North America.

It is a native of Europe and western Asia and was introduced to this country during colonial days. Bindweed can be spread by seed, root fragments, implements, infested soil adhering to the roots of nursery stock, root growth from infested areas, and animals.

This weed has a deep root system (20 feet or more) that competes with desirable plants for water and nutrients. Vines climb on plants and shade the plant hindering growth. Seeds may remain viable for forty years.

The herbicide quinclorac (sold as Drive XLR8) is highly effective at controlling bindweed. Quinclorac is available to the homeowner in the products Ortho Weed B Gon MAX plus Crabgrass Control, Bayer Advanced T All-In-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer and Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns plus Crabgrass Killer. NOTE: These herbicides are labeled only for use in lawns and can’t be legally or safely used in landscape beds or vegetable gardens. Be very cautious using these products in the lawn near vegetable gardens, as tomatoes, peppers and other solanaceous crops are very sensitive to quinclorac. Read Planttalk Script #2126, “Bindweed Control in Lawns” for more information.