Ipomoea pandurata

The names that have been applied to this plant simply cannot do this beautiful native perennial morning glory justice. Huge 3-4" wide white, funnel-shaped flowers with purple to pink stripes are borne from as early as May and may flower until fall. Large heart-shaped foliage hides the large clusters of buds that are found in the leaf axils. This vigorous perennial twining vine regrows each year from a large sweet potato-like taproot. Man of the Earth can produce tubers that weigh up to 40 lbs. and were apparently eaten by Native Americans. This hardy morning glory is found locally on sandy soils and so will likely appreciate good drainage when planted in the garden. This native morning glory supports a broad range of butterfly and moth species as a host plant.