Experiment Station Work, LIII

The terms "bindweed" and "wild morning-glory" are rather indiscriminately applied to the various species of the genus of plants known by botanists as Convolvulus that are of importance as weeds. In certain limited sections other common names are used to refer to these species, such as gopher vine, pea vine, and wild sweet potato. By far the larger number of these plants are classified under the two species Convolvulus sepium and C. arvensis, the former a native of this country and the latter an introduction from Europe. There are a few other species, principally Convolvulus sepium repens and C. Californicus that occur as weeds in certain regions. The former is a variety of Convolvulus sepium, but is often referred to as C. repens. In many parts of the country these species rank among the worst of all the weeds that trouble the farmer, and in some regions they are by far the worst. Being perennials, the propagate not only by their seeds, but also by their underground parts. It is the latter character especially that makes them such formidable enemies to the tiller of the soil. The common or cultivated morning-glory, with the large bell-shape flowers of various colors, is sometimes found in fields where it has escaped cultivation. This is an annual not difficult to control and should not be mistaken for a species of convolvulus.