Exploring the Wild Morning Glory: Beauty and Bane

Picture yourself taking a stroll along a garden path. You look around and see various flowers that are pleasing to the eye. Suddenly, you spot a plant with flowers resembling those of the morning glory. The only difference is that it’s growing wildly on the ground instead of climbing up a trellis or fence. That is the wild morning glory – a beautiful yet invasive plant that has taken over many gardens and landscapes.

What is Wild Morning Glory?

The wild morning glory, also known as field bindweed or Convolvulus arvensis, is a perennial vine-like plant that belongs to the morning glory family. This weed is native to Europe and Asia, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including North America. Its flowers bloom from May to September and have a trumpet-like shape. They are usually white or pink and have five petals.

Characteristics

Wild morning glory grows up to six feet long, forming dense mats that can quickly take over gardens and landscapes. It thrives in moist soil, but it can also tolerate drought conditions. Its leaves are arrowhead-shaped and alternate along the stem. The stems are slender and twine around any nearby support. The roots are deep and extensive, making them difficult to remove once established.

Why is it Invasive?

Wild morning glory is considered an invasive plant because it can outcompete other plants for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. Its rapid growth rate and ability to produce large amounts of seed also contribute to its invasiveness. Once established, it can be challenging to eradicate.

The Pros and Cons of Wild Morning Glory

As with most things in life, there are both pros and cons to having wild morning glory in your garden or landscape.

Pros

Wild morning glory is a beautiful plant that can add aesthetic value to any garden or landscape. It has trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer months, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its deep roots can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health by breaking up compacted soil.

Cons

The cons of wild morning glory far outweigh the pros. Its invasive nature can quickly take over gardens and landscapes, choking out other plants and reducing biodiversity. It can also damage structures such as fences, buildings, and sidewalks by growing into cracks and crevices. Removing it can be challenging and time-consuming, requiring repeated herbicide applications or manual removal.

How to Control Wild Morning Glory

Control methods for wild morning glory depend on the severity of the infestation. Here are some methods you can try:

Manual Removal

This method involves physically pulling the plant out of the ground, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible. This method is best used for small infestations or when the plant is still young.

Herbicides

Herbicides can be effective in controlling wild morning glory, but they must be applied carefully to avoid harming desirable plants. Glyphosate-based herbicides are the most effective, but they should only be used in areas where there is no risk of groundwater contamination. Always follow label instructions when using herbicides.

Mulching

Mulching can help smother wild morning glory by preventing sunlight from reaching the plant. Apply a layer of mulch at least three inches thick, making sure to cover the entire area where the plant is growing.

Prevention

Preventing wild morning glory from establishing in your garden or landscape is the best way to control it. Here are some prevention methods you can try:

Landscape Design

Careful landscape design can help prevent the establishment of wild morning glory. Use plants that are not invasive and that will outcompete wild morning glory for resources. Install hardscape features such as paths and patios to reduce the amount of bare soil.

Proper Maintenance

Proper maintenance practices such as regular weeding, mowing, and pruning can help prevent the establishment of wild morning glory. Make sure to dispose of any plant debris carefully to avoid spreading seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wild Morning Glory

Q1: Is wild morning glory toxic?

A1: While wild morning glory is not toxic to humans, it can be toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities.

Q2: Can wild morning glory climb walls?

A2: Yes, wild morning glory can climb walls and other structures by twining around them.

Q3: How long does it take to remove wild morning glory from a garden?

A3: Removing wild morning glory from a garden can take several years, depending on the severity of the infestation and the control methods used.

Q4: Can wild morning glory be used for medicinal purposes?

A4: Yes, wild morning glory has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as constipation, headaches, and fever.

Q5: How do I know if I have an infestation of wild morning glory?

A5: An infestation of wild morning glory is characterized by dense mats of vines that can quickly take over gardens and landscapes. Its arrowhead-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers are also distinctive.


Wild morning glory is a beautiful yet invasive plant that can take over gardens and landscapes if left unchecked. While it has some benefits, such as attracting pollinators and improving soil health, its cons far outweigh its pros. By following proper control and prevention methods, you can keep this weed from taking over your garden or landscape.