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Weed Identification

whitestar

Family

Convolvulaceae

Scientific Name

Ipomoea lacunosa

Other Common Names:

morningglory
pitted morningglory

Habit

Pitted morningglory is a trailing or climbing vine. It can grow to be many feet in length. It prefers more moist soils.

Leaves

The leaves of red morningglory are alternate in arrangement. They are heart shaped and entire, but come to a distinct taper.

Identifying Characteristics

Pitted morningglory is most often distinguished by its leaves, which are heart shaped, but come to a distinguishable taper. It is also identified in early stages by its deeply indented cotyledons.

Flower Seed Head

The flowers of pitted morningglory are fluted in shape. They are approximately 3/4 in long. They are most often white, but may appear pink or light purple. The flowers occur from July to October.

Seed Fruit

The fruit of pitted morningglory is a simple small capsule.

Where Found

Pitted morningglory is found throughout the eastern United States. It is found as far north as New York 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

white

Flower Symmetry

bilateral symmetry

Leaf Hairs

no hairs

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Margin

entire

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

shorter than leaf

Stem Hairs

no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

taproot

Life Cycle

summer annual

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Vine