Redcenter Morning-Glory: A Lesser-Known Member of the Morning Glory Family
If you’ve stumbled upon the name redcenter morning-glory in your gardening research, you’ve discovered one of the more mysterious members of the extensive morning glory family. Scientifically known as Ipomoea amnicola, this perennial forb represents an interesting case study in how some plant species remain relatively unknown in the gardening world, despite being part of a beloved plant family.
What Exactly Is Redcenter Morning-Glory?
Redcenter morning-glory is a perennial herbaceous plant, meaning it lacks woody stems and returns year after year from its root system. Like other members of the morning glory family, it’s classified as a forb – essentially a flowering plant that isn’t a grass, sedge, or woody plant. Think of it as the botanical equivalent of that quiet person in the corner who’s technically part of the popular crowd but doesn’t get much attention.
Where You’ll Find It (Spoiler: Not Many Places)
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit puzzling. Despite being a non-native species that has naturalized in parts of the United States, redcenter morning-glory has only been documented in Missouri and Texas. This limited distribution is quite unusual for morning glories, which are typically enthusiastic spreaders.
The Wetland Connection
One of the few well-documented characteristics of this species is its relationship with water. Redcenter morning-glory holds Facultative Wetland status across multiple regions, including:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain
- Great Plains
- Midwest
This classification means it usually shows up in wetland areas but can occasionally venture into drier territories. If you’re managing a rain garden or have naturally wet areas in your landscape, this adaptability might seem appealing.
Should You Grow Redcenter Morning-Glory?
Here’s the honest truth: there’s surprisingly little information available about growing this particular morning glory. Unlike its famous cousins like heavenly blue morning glory or moonflower, redcenter morning-glory hasn’t made it into mainstream horticulture guides or seed catalogs.
This lack of information raises several practical concerns:
- Growing requirements are poorly documented
- Seeds or plants are extremely difficult to source
- Pest and disease susceptibility unknown
- Garden performance unpredictable
Better Alternatives for Morning Glory Lovers
If you’re drawn to morning glories for your garden, consider these well-documented alternatives that offer reliable performance:
For Native Plant Enthusiasts:
- Wild potato vine (Ipomoea pandurata) – A robust native climber
- Red morning glory (Ipomoea coccinea) – Native annual with bright red flowers
For Traditional Gardens:
- Common morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor) – Classic blue flowers
- Cardinal climber (Ipomoea × multifida) – Hybrid with red, star-shaped flowers
The Bottom Line
Redcenter morning-glory represents one of those botanical curiosities that’s more interesting from a scientific perspective than a practical gardening one. While it’s not invasive (as far as we know), and there’s no reason to actively avoid it, the lack of available information makes it an impractical choice for most gardeners.
Sometimes the most valuable lesson a plant can teach us is that not every species needs to be in cultivation. Some plants are perfectly content doing their thing in the wild, away from the pressures and expectations of garden life. Redcenter morning-glory seems to be one of those independent spirits.
If you’re passionate about morning glories, stick with the tried-and-true varieties that gardeners have successfully grown for generations. Your garden (and your sanity) will thank you for choosing plants with proven track records and readily available growing information.
