Ipomoea sagittata aka Glade Morning Glory

Ipomoea sagittata is known as saltmarsh morning glory. It belongs to the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Its native range spans the southeastern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. It also includes the Mediterranean region. Kew places it in a subtropical climate. In the southeastern United States, it grows in coastal areas. Its taste for damp, salty ground helps explain its common name.

This fast-growing vine is a deciduous perennial. It climbs by twining and can cover a fence or trellis. The stems are green, smooth, and lack scent. Green leaves grow in an alternate pattern along them. Each leaf is simple, with a smooth, unbroken edge. The narrow blade has an arrowhead shape, called sagittate. Slender points extend toward both the tip and base. Leaves measure less than one inch across. These narrow leaves help set it apart from other morning glories.

Flowers appear from midsummer into fall, giving a long bloom season. Each flower grows alone and forms a broad funnel. Blooms range from pink to purple, with a darker throat. Five joined petals form each flower, which measures one to three inches across. Five smooth sepals sit at its base. Large nectaries supply food for visiting pollinators, including bees. The fruit takes the form of a round capsule.

Grow this vine in full sun and moist, sandy soil. The NC State profile also lists partial shade as suitable. It accepts soil that becomes wet from time to time. Brackish ground and salt exposure suit its coastal character. Its strong salt tolerance adds value in coastal gardens. NC State lists it for USDA zones 5a through 9b. A fence or trellis gives the climbing stems support. It suits vertical spaces, native plantings, and butterfly gardens. Growers can raise it from seed, division, or stem cuttings.

This is not a known food plant. Plants For A Future records no edible uses. That source also records folk uses of roots and leaves. Those records do not establish safety or prove medical benefit. NC State lists low-severity poisoning in people and risks to pets. Eating the plant may cause vomiting. Large amounts of seed may also cause hallucinations. The listed toxic compounds are indole alkaloids. Cats, dogs, and horses appear among the animals at risk. NC State reports no contact dermatitis.