Bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

Family: Convolvulaceae - Morning Glory Family

Non-native; perennial herbs with trailing stems; low growing plant; stems can be 3' (1 meter) or more in length

Leaves: alternate; simple; entire to deeply lobed or parted; 0.6” to 1.4” (1.5 to 3.5 cm) long

Flowers: 5 angled or lobed united white to purplish or rose petals; 5 separate sepals, 5 stamens, 1 pistil; flowers funnel-form; flowers 0.6” to 0.8” (1.5 to 2 cm) long

Pollinators: bees and flies; self-fertile

Fruits: capsule

Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June, July, August (and possibly into November)

Habitat in Arches National Park: disturbed areas along roadsides

Location seen: Visitor Center area

Other: The genus name, “Convolvulus”, is from Latin “convolvere” which means “to twine around” and the species name, “arvensis”, means “of the fields”.

This plant has been declared a noxious weed in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and the southern provinces of Canada and has been called one of the ten worst weeds in the world because the seeds may live in the soil for 30 to 50 years before germinating. It is a native of southern Europe.