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Hedge bindweed flowers. Photo Credit: Brian Sugerman, the Ohio State University, Bugwood.org -
Hedge bindweed flower and leaves. Photo Credit: (c) Robert L. Carr, courtesy of OregonFlora -
Hedge bindweed flower and leaves. Photo Credit: (c) Robert L. Carr, courtesy of OregonFlora -
Hedge bindweed leaves. Photo Credit: Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
NOTE: Hedge bindweed is native to Oregon but has the ability to suppress other plants and crops.
Also known as: morning glory, bulge vine, heavenly trumpet
Hedge bindweed is a climbing vine with a deep root system. It forms dense, tangled mats that smother native plants and crops. Its long-lasting seeds and ability to regrow from root fragments allow it to spread quickly.
Description:
| Life Cycle: | Perennial (life cycle lasts more than one year) |
| Early Detection and Rapid Response species: | No |
| Height: | Up to 10 feet (3 meters) long |
| Leaf Description: | Leaves are arrow-shaped and have a prominent heart-shaped base. The tops of the leaves are medium green while the bottoms are light green. They grow alternately along the stem. |
| Fruit & Flower Description: | Flowers are white or sometimes pink. The petals are fused at the bottom to form a trumpet or funnel shape. Two large, green bractsBracts Leaf-like structures below a plant’s flower. are found at the base of each flower. They are replaced by small, oval seed pods. |
| Bloom Time: | April to September |
Habitat:
- Hedge bindweed grows in a variety of sun and shade conditions and can grow in poor soils.
- It readily climbs trellises, fences, and neighboring plants. In open areas, it sprawls haphazardly across the ground.
- It is commonly found in fields, farms, urban parks, and vacant lots.
Impact:
- Hedge bindweed’s dense growth smothers native vegetation and crops preventing them from accessing light, water, nutrients, and space.
- Its ability to grow on other plants and crops make it a nuisance in agricultural settings by reducing crop yields
What you can do about it:
- Hedge bindweed’s deep root system and long-lasting seeds, require an integrated pest management strategy for control.
- Prevention is the most effective control. When working in areas near hedge bindweed, clean your boots and equipment to avoid transporting its seeds to new locations.
- Manual removal is recommended when removing existing plants. Spring is the best time to manually remove hedge bindweed.
- For small patches, loosen the soil with a pitchfork to remove the entire root system. Consistent monitoring is needed for manual removal to be successful.
- Tilling is effective at reducing this plant from spreading for larger patches. This practice will not entirely remove the plant.
Look-alikes:
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a non-native plant in Oregon looks similar to hedge bindweed. It has smaller leaves and flowers than hedge bindweed.
Noxious Weed Listing:
| State of Oregon: | Not listed |
| State of Washington: | Not listed |
More Resources:
Download the Hedge Bindweed Best Management Practices factsheet