Ipomoea sagittata
saltmarsh morning-glory
Southeastern United States and Gulf Coast
Overview
Ipomoea sagittata is a herbaceous perennial vine in the morning glory family, twining to 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) from deep, spreading rhizomes. The leaves are distinctly arrow-shaped (sagittate), 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with narrow basal lobes and a smooth surface. Funnel-shaped flowers open singly or in small groups on long stalks from the leaf axils, each pink to rose-purple bloom 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) across with a darker throat. Flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon heat. Bloom runs from late spring through fall. The slender stems twine over grasses, shrubs, and fences rather than forming a self-supporting clump. The species grows along brackish and saltmarsh edges, coastal swales, and ditches in the southeastern United States and Gulf Coast, tolerating salt spray and periodic flooding. Its rhizomes spread widely and can colonize open ground. Seeds form in rounded capsules, though the plant often spreads vegetatively. The flowers draw bees and other long-tongued insects.
Native Range
Ipomoea sagittata is native to coastal regions of the southeastern United States, from North Carolina south through Florida and west along the Gulf Coast to Texas, with disjunct populations around the Mediterranean. It grows in brackish marshes, salt marsh margins, coastal swales, and roadside ditches near the sea.Suggested Uses
Used on fences, trellises, and banks in coastal and rain gardens within its range, and in saltmarsh or shoreline restorations. The spreading rhizomes make it suited to naturalized rather than formal plantings. It covers ground and low structures where salt and wet soil limit other vines.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to rose-purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun with six or more hours of direct light. Moist to wet soils, including brackish and sandy coastal ground, suit it, and it tolerates salt spray and short flooding. Once established the rhizomes spread, so confined beds or barriers limit unwanted movement. Supplemental water helps plants on dry inland sites, while coastal plants need little care. Propagation is from rhizome divisions or seed scarified before sowing. Rich garden soil produces fast-spreading growth.Pruning
Stems can be cut back in any season to control spread or remove dead growth. Cutting to the ground in late winter renews the vine for the next season. No detailed shaping is needed on this twining plant.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons