Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium): Invasive Morning Glory Relative

Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium): Invasive Morning Glory Relative

A gardener in Long Island, NY, had a vine with white bell-shaped flowers taking over hostas and shrubs.

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Expert Identification

The vine is hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium, sometimes Convolvulus sepium), a weed related to morning glories. It grows quickly, pulls on vegetation, shades bushes, steals nutrients. Reproduces from seed and root pieces; very hard to eradicate. Only solution: hand-pull, digging out fibrous extensive roots, especially before seed set. Leaf shape is distinctive: triangular with corners near stem cut off squarely. Learn this shape and pull any plant with it immediately. Field bindweed (plain triangular/heart leaves, smaller flowers) grows in lawns; garden morning glories are prettier and less aggressive. Bindweeds are poisonous but don't irritate hands; wash hands after pulling.