Bindweed, or Convolvulus arvensis, which is the likely species in this area, grows throughout Kansas, but was native to Eurasia, carried across the Atlantic ocean and west across the prairies by its own version of manifest destiny. Once cultivated as an ornamental and a medicinal herb, it is now a noxious weed in many states and is nearly impossible to eradicate without toxic chemicals. The plant at the bottom right has been sprayed twice with Roundup and still continues to grow. We should consider adding nuclear waste to the next spray. Or we'll have to try flamethrowers or perhaps raw sulfuric acid. And what do we do about the yet-unerupted masses hiding below the surface like the one to the left? How do I kill the seedlings before they destroy the road?
Up till now, I've controlled its spread into our yard, and I've fought it in only one of my garden beds (one with imported soil), but it seems to really like the poor clay base of our road. Or at least the seeds are feeling cramped and trying to find some sunshine. The patience and strength of those tiny tendrils is mind boggling.