Ivyleaf morning-glory - Ipomoea hederacea (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Control)

Ivyleaf morning-glory

Also known as: Woolly morning-glory

Ivyleaf morning-glory is a Central American flowering vine. It has hairy leaves and lavender, white, and rose-colored trumpet-shaped flowers. It also bears egg-shaped fruits. This species flourishes in places with tropical climates. It grows well on railroads, abandoned sites, and landfills.

Scientific classification

Species

Ivyleaf morning-glory (Ipomoea hederacea)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

3 m

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 4.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Ivyleaf morning-glory

Distribution of Ivyleaf morning-glory

Distribution Map

Mexico is where ivyleaf morning-glory naturally occurs. It has, however, been introduced to neighboring regions and can be found dotted around different areas of the world. It's a tropical plant; therefore, its natural ecosystem is one of heat and humidity. It's reported as invasive in three US states.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Fields, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides, railroads, gardens, miscellaneous waste areas, disturbed areas, edges of cultivated fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Ivyleaf morning-glory is a slender, hardy annual vine that can have many places in the garden. Their trumpet-like, bluish flowers bloom profusely during the summer against its deep green, heart-shaped foliage. Like other vines, it needs support to grow, such as a trellis or a fence, and is not suitable for shaded walls. Keep them away from children as they are toxic.

Symbolism

Either love or mortality

Name Story

Ivyleaf morning-glory: The name morning glory comes from the flowers, which only last a single day. Due to the leaves are often featured in three-lobed which looks like the leaves of ivy, it is often called Ivyleaf morning-glory.

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Toxicity

The seeds of ivyleaf morning-glory are poisonous if ingested, causing abdominal discomfort and nausea/vomiting. Cats and dogs can be poisoned by ingesting ivyleaf morning-glory, requiring immediate veterinary care. Children are at risk due to the plant's inviting blue flowers. Ivyleaf morning-glory appears not to cause airborne allergies or skin irritation upon contact.

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Weed Control

Ivyleaf morning-glory is a weed with a twining vine found in the eastern, southern and north central United States. The pretty white flowers are attractive to bees for pollination as well as birds and butterflies for a garden setting. But Arizona includes the weed as part of its invasive species law, while it is on the invasive list in both West Virginia and Kentucky. The plant can crowd out other species with its vines, taking over the area it inhabits. The seeds are poisonous if eaten. Stop plant spreading by pulling the vines out by the root or using chemical treatment.

How to Control It

The best time to remove or control ivyleaf morning-glory is during the spring or early summer. This is before the plant has flowered or gone to seed.

Hand-pulling: First, irrigate the soil surrounding the plant to loosen it. Next, grasp onto the base of the plant and firmly pull, making sure to get as much of the root as possible.
Smothering: Cover the ground with a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard and then a layer of organic mulch. This denies the plant sunlight and it eventually dies.
Vinegar Spray: Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water. Spray the plant thoroughly, preferably on a sunny day, as the vinegar works best in conjunction with sunlight.
Hoeing: Use a garden hoe to cut the plant off at ground level, repeat this process every time the plant starts to grow back until it's completely gone.
Solarization: Cover the area with a clear plastic sheet and secure the edges with rocks or soil. Leave the plastic on for 4 to 6 weeks during a hot, sunny period. The sun heats the soil under the plastic, killing the weed seeds and roots.

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Care Guide for Ivyleaf morning-glory

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Ivyleaf morning-glory thrives in high humidity and consistently moist soil, requiring watering twice a week. Misting indoors mimics its natural tropical environment. As an evergreen, ivyleaf morning-glory needs a steady watering routine year-round to support its constant moisture needs.

Fertilize: Ivyleaf morning-glory requires regular fertilization, starting with organic fertilizer for seedlings. Supplement with nutrients in spring and summer. Add nitrogen when repotting (6-8 weeks pre-frost) and apply foliar fertilizer monthly. During early flowering, use phosphate and potassium fertilizers once or twice, ensuring they are water-soluble to avoid root burn.

Pruning: Ivyleaf morning-glory grows quickly; prune diseased and weak branches during winter dormancy. This practice enhances ventilation, reduces density, and lowers the risk of pests and diseases.

Propagation: Ivyleaf morning-glory propagates easily by sowing in early Spring, with seedlings appearing within weeks. For optimal growth, use well-draining soil and provide ample sunlight during the propagation process.

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Images of Ivyleaf morning-glory

Distribution of Ivyleaf morning-glory

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Ivyleaf morning-glory

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