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Ipomoea

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
eye-poh-MEE-a
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Ipomoea is a genus of tenacious, flowering vines, shrubs, and small trees with over 600 species, and includes such commonly known plants as Morning Glory, Sweet Potato, and Moonflower. Species in this genus feature blooms of pink, lavender and purple or blue that open each morning and fade at night.  They tolerate a wide range of average to poor soil and sunny to partial shade conditions. Though they are not perennial and grow from seed, they are very successful at spreading quickly, returning annually and can be difficult to control if allowed to get out of hand.  The genus name comes from two Greek words: ips meaning "worm" and homoios meaning "resembling", in reference to the sprawling underground roots of plants in this genus or to the worm-like twining plant habit.

To plant, nick the hard seed coat and soak overnight before planting. They are not listed as invasive in North Carolina but are listed on the USDA Noxious Weed site and in several surrounding states.  Some varieties may be poisonous. In addition to the morning glory, Ipomoea also includes cypress vine and several cultivars. Many species in this genus will require a trellis, arbor, or other structure to support its vertical climbing habit.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No major pest or disease problems of note; however the plant can reseed readily in warmer climates and may become problematic if the seedlings are left unchecked.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Beach Morning Glory, Cardinal climber, Cypress vine, Firecracker Vine, Heavenly Blue, Madame Ann, Moonflower, 'Red Fox', Red Morning Glory, Saltmarsh Morning glory, Sweet potato vine, Wild sweet potato vine
Tags:
#purple#poisonous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#fall interest#spreading#summer flowers#vine#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#annual#wildflower
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Beach Morning Glory, Cardinal climber, Cypress vine, Firecracker Vine, Heavenly Blue, Madame Ann, Moonflower, 'Red Fox', Red Morning Glory, Saltmarsh Morning glory, Sweet potato vine, Wild sweet potato vine
Tags:
#purple#poisonous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#fall interest#spreading#summer flowers#vine#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#annual#wildflower
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ipomoea
    Family:
    Convolvulaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Genus includes food crops such as sweet potato.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    United States and Mexico, South America, Africa, South Asia
    Distribution:
    Native or introduced to eastern and central Canada and continental United States.
    Wildlife Value:
    Minimal
    Climbing Method:
    Twining
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Vine
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
    Creeping
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Tendrils
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Globose to ovoid capsules, mostly 4 to 6-valved or splitting irregularly.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Trumpet
    Flower Petals:
    fused petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Trumpet or funnel-shaped flowers in colors varying from blue through purple to red, pink and white.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Large heart-shaped leaves, often lobed or divided, but less often compound.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    usually twining, sometimes prostrate or floating, glabrous or pubescent.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Rock Wall
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Hallucinations, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting diarrhea, drowsiness, numbness of extremities and muscle tightness
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Indole alkaloids, LSD and others
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Seeds