Noxious weeds damage our resources

This Week’s Most Wanted: FIELD BINDWEED

The health and productivity of our natural plant communities are being threatened by the introduction of numerous invasive noxious weeds. These plants displace native vegetation and important wildlife forage, disrupt native hydrology, alter soil chemistry, and disturb the overall ecological balance of native habitats. They are also an agricultural pest, crowding out desirable crops and requiring immense investments in time, money, and materials to control. Roadsides, ranchland, open space, housing developments, industrial sites, private property, and Municipal, County, State, and Federal lands are all affected. 

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a non-native deep rooted perennial that reproduces from seed and creeping, horizontal roots (rhizomes). Field bindweed stems are prostrate (grows low to the ground) and twining, and grow up to 6 feet long. Leaves are distinguishable by their arrowhead shape. The flowers are bell or trumpet-shaped, white to pink in color, and are about 1 inch long. Field bindweed seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 40 years. Field bindweed emerges from its root system in the spring. Flowering occurs from June to September and until the first fall frost. The number of seeds produced per plant ranges from 25 to 300 and seed production is variable depending on environmental conditions. 

Field bindweed is an extremely difficult noxious weed to control because, in part, of its taproot that may go 20 feet deep into the soil, and which repeatedly gives rise to numerous long rhizomes. Field bindweed is a problem throughout Colorado. It is one of the most competitive perennial weeds. It is widespread in cultivated areas, pastures, lawns, gardens, roadsides, and waste areas from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation.

 Field Bindweed plants must be cut below the surface of the soil for best results. Herbicides used for control are Glyphosate and 2,4-D. Always read, understand, and follow the label directions.

For more information on the City’s Noxious Weed Management Plan or to report noxious weeds visit the cityofalamosa.org and click on the Parks & Rec Department.