Bindweed is a vine with arrow-shaped leaves and small, white or pink, trumpet-like flowers. It’s extremely difficult to get rid of. Some people think the only way to escape bindweed is to move. But there are other ways that have helped people control this hardy weed.

Round-up or any glyphosate containing herbicides will help kill bindweed. You’ll need to be patient, it takes repeated applications of these herbicides to do the trick. The best time to use them is when the bindweed is flowering. This is when the plant is storing food. Always let the plant flower before retreating it. It’s also important to use these products all year round and especially in the fall, to get the full benefits. If it’s windy, it may help to use a paintbrush to coat the leaves, to be careful of the drift that could kill other plants.

Cutting the tops off of the bindweed plant at soil level, is another way that’s helped stop its growth. This method takes a lot of time and diligence. Every time you see the plant emerge from the soil, you’ll need to cut it to soil level again. The plant won’t be able to complete photosynthesis and eventually it will starve. This method is totally organic, but you’ll really need to keep on top of it to get rid of all the bindweed. This has been proven much more effective than pulling it, because of it’s widespread root system.

Another way to eradicate bindweed is to use paper and mulch. Everyday newspaper and mulch has been used very effectively against the stubborn weed. You’ll need several layers of newspaper. Use only the black and white sections, (avoid using the colored paper). You’ll also need mulch. Flatten the weeds by stepping on them, where possible, and wet the newspaper so it will stay down better.First put down the newspaper, then, place two or more inches of mulch on top, making sure you cover all the paper. Keep an eye on the area, adding more newspaper and mulch as needed.

If these methods don’t work for you, or seem too time consuming, you can always learn to live with it. The flowers of the bindweed plant are kind of pretty (resembling small morning glories) and give off a soft fragrance. The vine itself can be used as twine to tie up other plants and the roots have been used to make tea.