This is one of the most common perennial plants and is found in many parts of Idaho.  Field bindweed is also one of the hardiest weeds and one of the most difficult to eradicate.  This weed can put roots down as deep as 10 to 15 feet deep while nearly all chemicals will only kill roots within the top few feet, if that.  Lateral roots typically form within the top 12 inches of the soil.  Roots of this weed has the ability to penetrate even our poor clay soil.  Field bindweed grows close to the soil surface and will thrive in our well cared for landscape gardens where there is plenty of moisture and fertilizer, but this weed will survive in neglected areas as well.  Foliage is massive and will choke out more desirable plants as it quickly grows and spreads to other parts of the landscape.  This weeds performs best in sunny conditions but will grow in shady areas, however it doesn't do as well in shady conditions.  

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The light pinkish-white flowers on field bindweed are short lived, blooming most often in early spring when soil temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  Seeds from field bindweed can lay dormant in the soil for nearly 50 years, providing you with another reason to realize how difficult this plant is to eradicate from your landscape once it's allowed to establish.

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As you can see, killing field bindweed is difficult to kill, primary because of its deep root system.  Pulling the top off the plant only creates multiple shoots reappearing as the plant grows back.  Our best recommendation is to use Ferti-lome "Weed Free Zone".  It will take multiple applications of this product to eventually rid the soil of bindweed.  Our best advice is to continually spray the weed as soon as it appears on the surface of the soil, wait 3 to 4 hours after spraying, giving the spray time to be absorbed into the root system and then pull the top off the plant.  All plants require a certain amount of sun and killing/removing foliage as soon as it appears will play a part in controlling the health of bindweed. 

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We have over 47 years of nursery/landscape experience here in the Treasure Valley, have an Idaho Certified Nurseryman on staff and are here to help you with all your gardening questions.  Please feel free to stop by our retail nursery or give us a call at 208.917.4820, we're here to help you.

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The staff of The Home & Garden Store