Either plant can be a problem. Infestation of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) on farms in the semiarid, Southern High Plains is widespread and has led to significant reductions in crop productivity throughout the region. Convolvulaceae (morning glory family). The stems are usually glabrous, but are sometimes hairy where new growth occurs. The photo below will give you an idea of the size comparison, a Field Bindweed flower is on the left. Someone battling hedge bindweed on their property would probably disagree with this observation, though.
Since we can't change that and we can't stop seeds that have been waiting in the soil from germinating, all we can do is deal with bindweed when we see it.
Part of why it is so hard to get rid of bindweed is that it has a large and hardy root system. Both have arrow shaped leaves and trumpet shaped flowers, similar to Morning Glories. "It is considered to be one of the most noxious weeds in the world," says Andy Hulting, OSU weed specialist. There are two types of bindweed; Field Bindweed and Hedge Bindweed. Calystegia sepium (hedge bindweed, Rutland beauty, bugle vine, heavenly trumpets, bellbind, granny-pop-out-of-bed) (formerly Convolvulus sepium) is a species of bindweed, with a subcosmopolitan distribution throughout the temperate Northern and Southern hemispheres. Bindweed. After the leaves appear, the bindweed vine will start growing flowers. The species has an extensive, but shallow, rhizomatous root system.
There are two species of bindweed – field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and the larger hedge bindweed or bellbind (Calystegia sepium).Both produce white, trumpet-shaped flowers, sometimes pink in Convolvulus arvensis, which do look attractive.But once it gets a hold in your garden it can quickly spread everywhere. In addition, the field bindweed has smaller flowers, leaves, and bracts and a weaker stem than its relative. The alternate leaves are 1-2' long and half as much across.
Hedge bindweed or bellbind (Calystegia sepium) with its pure white trumpet flowers is a familiar sight, choking plants in borders and twining around any plant shoot or cane.The smaller field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) with white or pink flowers is problematic in long grass and bare soil. Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Bindweed family (Convolvulaceae) Description: This perennial plant is a herbaceous vine that produces stems 2-4' long. Field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis, is a pretty, white-flowering climber loved by butterflies.However, it’s a pernicious weed that will smother anything in its path, and will quickly take over beds, borders, walls and fences unless kept in check.
Eventually, the bindweed vines will grow leaves, which are shaped much like an arrowhead. How to Control Bindweed. The field bindweed species is native to Europe and now is distributed worldwide. Hedge bindweed or bellbind ( Calystegia sepium ) with its pure white trumpet flowers is a familiar sight, choking plants in borders and twining around any plant shoot or cane. Its climbing nature and larger flowers can help to distinguish it from Field bindweed. Bindweed flowers are trumpet shaped and will be either white or pink.