[MalcW]

Hi all.

Is there more than one type of bindweed? Up at one end of our plot there was a patch with what I would regard as the 'normal' bindweed with white roots that go on forever and break easily.
At the other end is an area with what looks like the same bindweed above ground, but has shorter brown roots that are quite feathery at the end.

Thanks.

[mumofstig]

Yes, there are 2 sorts - Greater or Lesser Bindweed AKA Hedge or Field Bindweed.

Lesser bindweed is much easier to kill of 

[MalcW]

Thanks MOS. I assume the Lesser version is the one with the brown feathery roots. It's certainly a lot easier to get out of the ground in one piece.

[mumofstig]

It is certainly easier to dig Lesser(field) Bindweed roots out, haven't noticed them being feathery though 

The plant in general is less invasive than it's bigger relative though.

[Kristen]

Hmmm ... I have three types!

Pernicious with deep roots, the main and most hated culprit

Similar looking plant, but clumps more than it trails, and easy to remove.  Maybe these are jsut new seedlings fo the first?

One with much bigger leaves and fewer side shoots. Its stem is thicker than the first type too.  Can't remember if the root is less substantial.

[mumofstig]

according to wiki there are 2 types of Lesser or field bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed......................
There are two varieties:

Convolvulus arvensis var. arvensis. Leaves broader.
Convolvulus arvensis var. linearifolius. Leaves narrower.

[Kristen]

That'll be it then, thanks MoS

Pity there isn't a lesser-spotted variety