Evolvulus nuttallianus aka Shaggy Dwarf Morning Glory

Evolvulus nuttallianus is in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. It is native to the west-central and southern United States. Its range also reaches northern Mexico, in Coahuila and Chihuahua. Missouri Botanical Garden places its range from Montana and North Dakota south. It extends to Texas and Arizona. In Missouri, it grows in the Ozarks. There, it lives on limestone glades and bare hilltops. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant does not climb or form a vine. The Garden calls it a low, somewhat woody perennial. Kew lists it as an annual or subshrub. Garden plants grow about 1.5 feet [0.46 m] tall and wide. The Garden's account gives a slightly taller height: 1.7 feet [0.51 m]. Dense hairs cover the plant. The stems lie on the ground or have raised tips. They can take root at nodes that touch the soil. This low form suits use as ground cover.

The leaves look silvery-green and have a hairy surface. They are oblanceolate, which means they widen toward the tip. Leaves reach about 0.08 feet [0.025 m] long. The small flowers have a bell shape. They range in shade from lavender to blue. Each bloom spans up to 0.04 feet [0.013 m]. Their shape looks like that of a morning glory bloom. Flowers close at night and when skies are cloudy. The Garden gives two accounts of when they bloom. Its text says spring through midsummer. Its bloom list says June until frost.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade. The Garden calls for rich soil that stays moist. The soil must also drain well. Sandy soil suits it too, if it drains well. The listed water needs are moderate. The plant needs little care. The Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 4–10. Its growing notes also say plants survive zone 4 winters. These needs apply to plants grown in gardens. They do not claim that the plant can withstand drought.

The Garden suggests rock gardens and native plant gardens as settings. Low stems, silver-toned leaves, and blue blooms give it garden appeal. Gardeners may also grow it as an annual. Plants can be hard to find for sale. The Garden reports no known serious pests or diseases.