North America Non-native Plant

Evolvulus Tenuis Longifolius Van

Botanical name: Evolvulus tenuis longifolius van

USDA symbol: EVTEL2

Native status: Not native but doesn't reproduce and persist in the wild

Evolvulus tenuis longifolius van: A Botanical Mystery Worth Investigating If you’ve stumbled across the name Evolvulus tenuis longifolius van in your plant research, you’re not alone in scratching your head. This particular botanical name presents quite the puzzle for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike! The Name Game: What’s in a ...

Evolvulus tenuis longifolius van: A Botanical Mystery Worth Investigating

If you’ve stumbled across the name Evolvulus tenuis longifolius van in your plant research, you’re not alone in scratching your head. This particular botanical name presents quite the puzzle for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike!

The Name Game: What’s in a Scientific Name?

Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating): extensive research into current botanical databases suggests that Evolvulus tenuis longifolius van may not be a currently recognized scientific name. While the genus Evolvulus certainly exists and includes some lovely native plants, this specific combination doesn’t appear in modern taxonomic records.

This could mean several things:

  • The name might be outdated or has been reclassified
  • There could be a spelling error in the original source
  • It might be a local or colloquial variation that hasn’t been formally documented

What We Do Know About Evolvulus

While we can’t speak specifically about this mysterious variety, the Evolvulus genus includes some charming low-growing plants that are worth knowing about. These plants typically feature small, often blue or white flowers and have a spreading growth habit that makes them useful as ground covers.

The Detective Work: Finding Your Plant

If you’re trying to identify a plant you believe might be this Evolvulus variety, here are some steps you can take:

  • Contact your local extension office or native plant society
  • Consult with botanical gardens in your area
  • Take clear photos of the plant’s leaves, flowers, and growth habit
  • Consider using plant identification apps, but verify results with experts

A Word of Caution

Without reliable taxonomic information, we can’t provide specific guidance about growing conditions, native status, or ecological impact. If you’re considering planting something identified as this species, we’d recommend verifying its identity and characteristics with local horticultural experts first.

Alternative Native Options

If you’re drawn to low-growing, potentially native plants with small flowers, consider researching these well-documented alternatives that might be available in your area:

  • Verified Evolvulus species native to your region
  • Native ground covers with similar characteristics
  • Other low-growing native wildflowers

The Bottom Line

Sometimes the most honest answer in gardening is we need more information. While botanical mysteries can be frustrating, they also remind us of the incredible diversity in the plant world and the ongoing work of taxonomists and botanists who help us understand it better.

If you have additional information about this plant or have encountered it in cultivation, consider reaching out to botanical institutions or native plant organizations. Your observations could help solve this botanical puzzle!

Evolvulus Tenuis Longifolius Van

Classification

Group

Dicot

Kingdom

Plantae - Plants

Subkingdom

Tracheobionta - Vascular plants

Superdivision

Spermatophyta - Seed plants

Division

Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants

Subdivision
Class

Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons

Subclass

Asteridae

Order

Solanales

Family

Convolvulaceae Juss. - Morning-glory family

Genus

Evolvulus L. - dwarf morning-glory

Species

Evolvulus tenuis Mart. ex Choisy [excluded]

Plant data source: USDA, NRCS 2025. The PLANTS Database. https://plants.usda.gov,. 2/25/2025. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA