redstar
Family
ConvolvulaceaeScientific Name
Ipomoea coccinea
Other Common Names:
Mexican morningglory
red morningglory
scarlet morningglory
starglory
wooly tidestromia
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Quamoclit coccinea
Habit
Red morningglory is a vine that often grows close to the ground. It may grow to many feet in length and may climb items it runs into. It prefers more moist soils.
Leaves
The leaves of red morningglory are simple and alternate in arrangement. They have a heart-shaped outline, but have many points along the edges. They grow to be approximately 10 cm (100mm) long and 6 cm (60mm) wide. The leaves are usually entire, but may have teeth on the edges; however, they are usually hairless.
Identifying Characteristics
Red morningglory is most easily distinguished from other morningglories by its leaves, which have several points along the margins. The vine can grow to be 10 ft long.
Flower Seed Head
The flowers of red morningglory are in general pink or red, with dark orange to red on the edges, and yellow to light orange in the center. The petals are combined to form a cone which is approximately 1 1/4 inches (30mm) long and 1 inch (25mm) wide. The flowers bloom from July to October and are radially symmetrical.
Seed Fruit
The fruit of red morningglory is a simple small, round capsule. The fruit will split when dry.
Where Found
Red morningglory is found through most of the eastern United States. It is found as far north as New York and Michigan, and as far west as Texas.
Growth Habit
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
nickle,
quarter,
half dollar
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
red,
orange,
pink
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
lobed,
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Vine