Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Sunday - April 12, 2009

From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants
Title: How can I control field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I have identified my invasive as field bindweed. Your answer in FAQs has websites that are moving and I am unable to find out how to control this major problem. I use organics to garden. The recommended 20% vinegar drys it up for a few days and it is back thriving but if I accidentally get the vinegar on anything else, it dies. The roots run very deep and all over the place underground. If one little piece is left, it grows. I am tired of pulling.

ANSWER:

Convolvulus arvensis is a viny perennial with an extensive system of deep creeping roots and rhizomes. It was introduced into the US from Europe, and is considered one of the most noxious weeds of agricultural fields throughout temperate regions of the world. Plants typically develop large patches and are difficult to control. There are three categoties of management strategies; mechanical (hoeing, cultivating, and pulling), chemical (various herbicides are available), and biological (using Alceria malherbae, bindweed gall mite, or Tyta luctosa ,bindweed moth, to attack the pest.)

Mr. Smarty Plants is going to refer you to four websites that present strategies for controling this noxious weed:

Texas Invasives.org

University of California Davis Integrated Pest Management Program

 Montana State University  Extension

Colorado State University Extension

View Google Images

 

 

More Invasive Plants Questions

Creeping buttercups in juniper in McKeesport PA
May 22, 2010 - I have creeping buttercups in my juniper ground cover. How do I get rid of them.
view the full question and answer

Why is Asphodelus fistulosus (onionweed) forbidden by property owners assoications?
May 14, 2009 - Our local property owners association is imploring us to remove all onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus L.). The USDA lists it as a noxious weed. Why? I think it is pretty and flowery. Is it poison...
view the full question and answer

Use of chemicals for eradicating invasive plants
April 24, 2008 - Re: Round Up We are extremely reluctant to use any chemical agents in our yard (or around our home) due to environmental & ecological reasons... However, we are becoming inundated with several ver...
view the full question and answer

Deer resistant plants from New Braunfels TX
August 31, 2012 - I have a 1/2 yard covered by a tree, shady. Bermuda grass previous owner planted has all turned brown this summer. I don't have lots of money to work with but would love to landscape that side of fr...
view the full question and answer

Viability of Ehretia anacua tree for Austin, TX
January 17, 2008 - I live in Austin, TX and I see you've recommended the Ehretia anacua tree for someone living here. Also, my arborist mentioned it as a replacement for non-native, invasive trees. However, the databas...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.