Morningglory (Ipomoea eriocarpa): A Lesser-Known Member of the Morning Glory Family
If you’ve stumbled across the name Ipomoea eriocarpa while researching morning glories, you’ve discovered one of the more mysterious members of this beloved flowering vine family. This particular morningglory species is something of an enigma in the gardening world – documented but not widely cultivated or well-studied.
What We Know About This Morningglory
Ipomoea eriocarpa belongs to the extensive morning glory genus, which includes hundreds of species ranging from beloved garden climbers to wild native vines. The botanical synonym Ipomoea hispida gives us a small clue about its characteristics – hispida typically refers to plants with rough, hairy surfaces, suggesting this species may have a somewhat fuzzy or bristly texture.
The Mystery of Its Origins
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for curious gardeners): the native range and geographical distribution of Ipomoea eriocarpa isn’t well-documented in readily available horticultural literature. This lack of clear information makes it challenging to determine where this plant naturally occurs and whether it might be suitable for your garden.
Should You Grow This Morningglory?
Given the limited information available about Ipomoea eriocarpa, most gardeners would be better served choosing well-documented morning glory species or native alternatives. Without clear data on its growing requirements, invasive potential, or garden performance, it’s difficult to recommend this particular species confidently.
Better Morning Glory Alternatives
If you’re drawn to morning glories, consider these better-documented options:
- Check with your local native plant society for morning glory species native to your region
- Ipomoea purpurea (Common Morning Glory) for annual color
- Research native Ipomoea species that naturally occur in your area
What This Means for Gardeners
The case of Ipomoea eriocarpa highlights an important point about plant selection: just because a plant exists and has a scientific name doesn’t mean it’s readily available or suitable for home gardens. Sometimes the most responsible choice is to stick with well-understood species, especially native ones that support local ecosystems.
If you’re specifically interested in this species for research purposes or have encountered it in the wild, consulting with botanical experts or native plant specialists in your region would be your best bet for accurate information.
The Takeaway
While Ipomoea eriocarpa remains an intriguing member of the morning glory family, the lack of comprehensive growing information makes it an impractical choice for most gardeners. Instead, explore the many well-documented native and non-invasive morning glory options that can provide the beautiful climbing flowers you’re looking for, along with reliable growing guidance and known benefits to pollinators and wildlife.
