Clover? Identification - Ask Extension
This grows wild in my NW Loveland neighborhood and I’m curious what it’s called and more curious about whether it could serve as a good ground cov...
Knowledgebase
Clover? Identification #873885
Asked June 20, 2024, 8:39 AM EDT
This grows wild in my NW Loveland neighborhood and I’m curious what it’s called and more curious about whether it could serve as a good ground cover in place of my lawn (which requires too much water)
Thanks for any insight advice or guidance!!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Sandra,
This is field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Most people consider it a weed and it's on the Class C noxious weed list. It doesn't require control, but most do tend to try to manage it, because it can be invasive and take over spaces, including the lawn and your landscape beds. However, a "weed" to one person might be a desirable plant to another.
Mechanical removal is tedious and would require pulling and pulling and pulling and pulling on a regular, consistent basis. If you want to use chemistry, there are effective options to consider in the lawn - one of the most effective chemicals is quinclorac. In landscape beds, your options are to pull it, use mulch, or use a non-selective herbicide.
This is field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Most people consider it a weed and it's on the Class C noxious weed list. It doesn't require control, but most do tend to try to manage it, because it can be invasive and take over spaces, including the lawn and your landscape beds. However, a "weed" to one person might be a desirable plant to another.
Mechanical removal is tedious and would require pulling and pulling and pulling and pulling on a regular, consistent basis. If you want to use chemistry, there are effective options to consider in the lawn - one of the most effective chemicals is quinclorac. In landscape beds, your options are to pull it, use mulch, or use a non-selective herbicide.
Thank you for your quick response, Alison! I happened to be online when it came in, thus my quick reply in return. :-)
I actually LIKE this flowering weed and was curious if it's something I might intentionally introduce to my yard since it doesn't seem to require water and I think the flowers are lovely (and I think it's silly/wasteful to try and maintain a grass lawn). Would you/CSU Extension consider that a mistake to pursue, or a reasonable idea?
Hi Sandra,
Bindweed is considered to be "noxious" for many reasons. Since it's a list C weed, it is recommended (but not enforced) to control it: https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/noxious-weed-species-id/field-bindweed
And here's an article from neighboring state, Nevada, that may also provide some context: https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=3762
Once established, the plant can be very difficult to control - and it has the ability to take over desirable plants.
Bindweed is considered to be "noxious" for many reasons. Since it's a list C weed, it is recommended (but not enforced) to control it: https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/noxious-weed-species-id/field-bindweed
And here's an article from neighboring state, Nevada, that may also provide some context: https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=3762
Once established, the plant can be very difficult to control - and it has the ability to take over desirable plants.
