ivyleaf morningglory
Family
ConvolvulaceaeScientific Name
Ipomoea hederacea
Other Common Names:
entireleaf monring glory
Mexican morningglory
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Pharbitis barbigera
Ipomoea desertorum
Ipomoea hirsutula
Pharbitis hederacea
Ipomoea nil
Ipomoea barbigera
Habit
This creeping or climbing summer annual flowers from July through September. It can climb up several structures and has a taproot.
Leaves
The alternate heart shaped leaves are 2-5 inches (50-125mm) long, 3.5 inches (~87mm) wide, and covered in erect short hairs. Both the stems and the long petioles are densely hairy. The stems can grow upwards of 10 feet in length. Leaf shape is similar to that of ivy, leaves typically have 3 lobes, which is the reason for the common name.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be identified by the erect hairs on its leaves. The Tall Morningglory has prostrate hairs while the Entireleaf/ivyleaf morning glory has upright hairs. Not only do the leaves have hairs, but so do the stems.
Flower Seed Head
The funnel shaped flowers grow in clusters of 1-3 on short stalks from the leaf axils. The white to pale blue or purple flowers are densely hairy at their bases. These flowers are typically 1-2 inches (25-50 mm).
Seed Fruit
The seeds grow in spherical capsules that separate in 2 to 4 portions when mature. Each capsule may contain from 4 to 6 dark brown wedge shaped seeds.
Where Found
This plant prefers rich moist soils, but can adapt to most environments. It is generally a pest of agricultural settings, although it can be found in landscaping where people will plant it for decorative purposes.
Growth Habit
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
quarter,
half dollar,
larger
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
blue,
purple
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
lobed
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter 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