tall morningglory
Family
ConvolvulaceaeScientific Name
Ipomoea purpurea
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Ipomoea hirsutula
Pharbitis purpurea
Convolvulus purpureus
Habit
This climbing annual, flowers from July through September. Even though the plant will die at the first frost, its vines and fruit will persist through the winter. The seeds germinate in early summer.
Leaves
The heart-shaped leaves are arranged alternately on long petioles. Leaves have hairs that lie against the leaf surface. The hairy climbing stems can grow up to 6.5 feet in length. Leaves are typically 4 inches (100mm) long and 3.5 inches (88mm) wide.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be identified by the way that its heart-shaped leaves generally overlap one another. Another key feature is its multi-hued purple/white flowers. The cotyledons are often more square than ivy/entireleaf morning-glory.
Flower Seed Head
The white to light blue or purple flowers grow from 1.5 to 3 (38-75mm) inches in length and around 1.5-2.5 inch (40-60 mm). The stalks are generally shorter than the leaf petioles, with 1-3 flowers occurring at the leaf axils.
Seed Fruit
4 to 6 wedge-shaped, hairy, blackish seeds form in brown capsules.
Where Found
This plant prefers moist rich soil, but will adapt to most conditions. It can be found in agricultural settings, as well as landscaping, where people often plant them as decorative vines.
Growth Habit
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
half dollar,
larger
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
blue,
purple
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Vine