Q. I have an aggressive vining weed that is taking over my front yard. It has leaves that are shaped like an arrowhead and produces little white flowers. What is it and how do I get rid of it?
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) was known as the worst weed in California in the earlier part of the 20th century. Although there have been many newly introduced weeds that could claim that title now, bindweed remains near the top of that list.
Field bindweed, also known as perennial morning glory or creeping Jenny, is a vining plant with arrowhead-shaped leaves that range from a half-inch to 2 inches long. Leaves near the base of the plant are generally larger than those at the growing tip. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, white, and only 1 inch across and somewhat resemble small morning glories. It grows close to the ground, twining around anything it encounters. If allowed to, it will grow upwards into trees or shrubs. Most of the root mass is in the first 1-2 feet of soil, but these horizontal roots periodically send down vertical roots that can reach up to 20 feet deep. It spreads from both roots and seeds, and the seeds can remain viable for decades. Due to its deep roots, it is drought tolerant and will survive freezing temperatures.
It is difficult to eradicate, but persistent effort can keep it under control. First, remove all branches that are flowering to prevent seeds from forming. Remove as much as possible and remain diligent about pulling it out. It relies on its leaves to grow, so if you remove them it will eventually starve.
If the bindweed is growing in turfgrass, frequent mowing will help keep it under control. We’ve found it thriving in our perennial beds, between the shrubs and trees. In these areas, placing cardboard over the freshly weeded areas will block light from reaching the plant and eventually kill it. Keep in mind that this process can take up to 5 years, depending on the extent of the root system.
Field bindweed is also susceptible to herbicide, especially glyphosate (Round-Up). If you decide to spray, carefully shield neighboring (non-target) plants until the spray dries. This process is also somewhat tedious, but less tedious than pulling a weed that you know will reappear in a week or two.
Q I occasionally encounter wolf spiders in my house. I know that they are beneficial, but I would prefer that they be beneficial outside. They are so fast, and I have a hard time catching them without damaging them. Is there a way I can safely capture them without hurting them?
I really love wolf spiders (but I’m kind of weird that way). I’ve found that swooping them up with a feather duster, then shaking them out when I get outside works great. Since they carry their babies on their backs, this prevents their offspring from scattering everywhere as well.
Los Angeles County
mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu; 626-586-1988; http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/
Orange County
ucceocmghotline@ucanr.edu; http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/
Riverside County
anrmgriverside@ucanr.edu; https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/
San Bernardino County
mgsanbern@ucanr.edu; 909-387-2182; http://mgsb.ucanr.edu
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