#ipomoea lacunosa

[hidewaku]

森の散歩道…足下にマメアサガオ

[uxbridge]

Whitestar morning glory in the wood pile

[cedar-glade]

Ipomoea lacunosa,

Growing in fairly open riparian habitat along the Shoal Creek, MO

Whitestar Morning Glory

In many states that this species is native to, along with many other species in Convolvulaceae, are listed as noxious weeds that prevent crop yield from maximizing or become a problem when harvesting due to alkaloids present in the seeds being problematic; however, this species in any natural environment and in sustainable agricultural or permaculture settings that are well stewarded and actively accessed, this plant is just another wonderful forbe species. For those interested in native permaculture: the roots are connected to a tuber that can be divided and eaten too, much like sweet potato vine that is a close relative, but with legitimate ecosystem benefits and hardiness to go along with it.

Now, with this said, it does spread and will surface crawl and twine around other plants that are near by. Very similar to that of passion flowers. When planting this species for usage, It’s recommended to plant other fall harvested fast growing native forbes with it and even some species that are allelopathic natives that slow down the progress of seed germination of this ruderal plant. 

Helianthus tuberosus, is one such plant evolved in the bottomlands, that has edible tap roots, grows tall, survives binding and competition, creates colonies, and is fairly allelopathic as a native. 

Included with a goldenrod species for tea that forms colonies like, Solidago altissima, means you can thin out all three in one pot with out worrying about them out competing each other. 

Again, certain passion flowers can be used too. 

Rudbeckia laciniata has leaves that can be cooked too and readily forms colonies.

If you plan on “restoring” or “permaculture bioswale” on previously agricultural or degraded land that backs up to a stream than this might be a good list for you. Each plant listed is useful as either and edible, spice(phlox with caution in this case), or for medicinal purposes(heal all and jewel weeds). 

other combinations for bottomland species if you are intending to install bottomland permaculture that has decent ecosystem function are: Monarda fistulosa, M. clinopodia, M. serotina, Pycnanthemum muticum, Phlox paniculata, and Allium cernuum,  Prunella vulgaris,  Apios americana,  Elymus riparius,  Impatiens capensis,  Impatiens pallida,  Laportea canadensis,  Asimina triloba, and Chasmanthium latifolium. Usually willow species are selected for fast growth, fast growth, aspirin, rooting hormone, bank stabilization. River elm is also a good choice if possible due to similar properties to that of slippery elm. 

If done right you should have somewhat functioning bottomland habitat, high competition that keeps things in check, beneficial insects, soil improvement, and food sources for everything. 

[hidewaku]

森の散歩道…小さなマメアサガオに微笑む♪

[uxbridge]

Whitestar morning glories opening just before sunset

[uxbridge]

Skipper on morning glory

[hidewaku]

森の散歩道に豆朝顔···初秋の風薫る♪

[cazort]

Small White Morning-Glory (Ipomoea lacunosa) - bplant.org

An annual vine with smaller flowers than most morning-glories.

I just published a new article on this species of morning-glory native to the southeastern US. It is probably the least-showy of the morning-glories, and its inconspicuous flowers reflect a greater tendency towards self-pollination. Another way it stands out includes its greater tolerance of lead levels in soil.

Although it is native, it is considered a noxious weed in some states because it can be so aggressive in cropland, sometimes majorly reducing crop yields.

This is one of those weedy plants that a lot of people don’t notice and/or don’t like, but it plays an important ecological role of helping to quickly cover the ground in areas where the soil has been exposed.