Convolvulus arvensis – Field Bindweed
Explore Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Convolvulus arvensis | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Field Bindweed, European Bindweed
Synonyms: None
Family: Convolvulaceae
Appearance: A trailing or twining vine with slender stems and arrow-shaped leaves. Bears funnel-shaped white to pale pink flowers, often with pink stripes, that close in the afternoon.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Vine / Groundcover
Root System: Very deep, extensive root system with vertical roots reaching several meters down and creeping lateral roots that send up new shoots
Height: Stems trail or climb 0.3–2.0 m
Width: Spreading; colonies can extend several meters
Lifespan: Long-lived; colonies persist for decades and seeds remain viable in soil for 20+ years
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Not Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees, flies, and other insects
Toxicity: Contains alkaloids; can cause digestive problems in horses and other livestock eaten in quantity; not recommended for human consumption
Convolvulus arvensis | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, including Türkiye
Companionship: Highly competitive; twines around and smothers crops and neighboring plants and competes strongly for water
Invasive Range: Naturalized on every inhabited continent; listed as a noxious weed in much of North America and Australia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3–10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance – deep roots reach subsoil moisture
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: No confirmed data
Air Pollution: No confirmed data
Fire: High tolerance – resprouts from deep roots
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Dry to moderate
Soil Type: Adaptable; thrives in cultivated fields, disturbed ground, and compacted soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline, roughly 6.0–8.0
Propagation
Seeds: Yes – long-lived seed bank
Division: Yes – creeping roots form new plants
Cuttings: Yes – root fragments regenerate readily, especially after tillage
Convolvulus arvensis | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: No – contains alkaloids
Medicinal: Root and aerial parts traditionally used as a purgative and for wound healing; clinical evidence is limited
Cosmetics: No significant documented use
Animal Feed: Not recommended – can cause digestive problems in livestock eaten in quantity
Fiber: No
Timber: No
Firewood: No
Wind Break: No
Fence: No
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers are visited by bees and flies
Pest Repellent: No
Wildlife Supporter: Yes – larval host for the convolvulus hawk-moth; seeds eaten by some birds
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