All parts of the plant are toxic to horses. This is a highly adaptable plant that thrives in a wide range of climates. It overgrows everything around it by twining tightly around the stems of other plants. When it finds no other plants to latch onto, it sprawls on the ground, taking over lawns and meadows. Bindweed can spread up to 15 feet and develop deep, strong roots. After being removed, there are likely small bits of roots left. Bindweed has the ability to regrow its shoot system within three weeks.
What Does Bindweed Look Like
Bindweed is a perennial vining plant that snakes its way across the ground and over fences, plants, or any other stationary thing in its path. It has medium-green, arrow-shaped leaves and white-pinkish flowers that look like those of morning glories. The leaves and flowers are small and don’t always stand out so it can be easily overlooked in a border or lawn until it has established itself. There are two forms of the plant: Convolvulus arvensis var. arvensis (with broader leaves) and Convolvulus arvensis var. linearfolius (with narrower leaves).
How to Get Rid of Bindweed
Vigilance and persistence are the two most useful weapons in your arsenal against bindweed. Watch for signs of this vine, and remove it as quickly as possible. The best way to get rid of bindweed is to cut it off at soil level. Don’t bother pulling it up; it will just sprout wherever you tore the roots, and it is virtually impossible to get all the roots out. By continually cutting it off at ground level, and doing it as soon as you possibly can, you will eventually starve the plant (since it will be unable to photosynthesize), and it will die. Be patient! You may have to do this many times, but it will eventually do the trick. If bindweed has invaded your lawn, make sure to practice good lawn care with proper nitrogen fertilizer, as bindweed does not compete well with healthy grass. If the infestation persists, additionally use a post-emergent herbicide containing Quinclorac as the active ingredient.
How to Prevent Bindweed From Spreading
Since bindweed has such an extensive root system, it is often impossible to remove all the plants when you have a large infestation. The least you can do to control its spread is not letting it set seed after it flowers. Do not throw any bindweed, with flowers or without, on the compost pile, as bindweed regrows from cuttings. Instead, dispose of it in the trash.
