PlantFiles: Man of the Earth, Big-root Morning Glory, Wild Potato Vine
Ipomoea pandurata

We live in Spain and we are very interested in this plant. We would like to buy some bulbs or roots. If you have any ideas please send a d-mail!
Thanks

Someone I know in Sweden grows this plant. He says he has grown it for four years and it flowers regularly.

It is not surprising that the plant survives there, as it is a z5 plant, although the wet winters may put it at risk, but considering the low sunlight levels in Sweden, compared to the US, it is surprising that it flowers reasonably well.

Hearing of his success I hope to trial this plant in dull wet old England. I will plant it in gravelly sandy soil and let you know of the results.

Ipomoea pandurata is one of the 'morning glories' native to the Eastern United States.

Although the USDA lists it as 'invasive' this is a function of the fact that many, if not most vining plants interfere with contemporary agricultural practices. It is not invasive in the way that Japanese Honeysuckle and Oriental Bittersweet are invasive, and it serves as a host plant to 39 known species of native butterflies and moths.

In fact, this plant is becoming more and more difficult to find, even as seed, although it is high on Douglas Tallamy's list of '20 Most Valuable Native Plant Genera in Terms of Supporting Lepidoptera Species', coming in at #5 on the perennials list!

The same is also true of Ipomoea lacunosa (Whitestar).

This plant was eaten by native (first) Americans. I can't quite remember the native American name for it; it begins with an "m" I believe. When I examine the pictures of this plant, it reminds me of Ipomea Andersonii, which also has a large root. It is necessary to not confuse the two since one is edible when properly prepared and the other is not. I have searched for I. pandurata since my elder aunts told me about it when i was a young girl.

Whenever I observe this plant, the flower buds or flowers always seem to have ants on them. And often, a bee will take up residence in the closed flower in the afternoon.

I live west of Springfield MO and found this plant today growing along the roadside in the country. When I got out to investigate, one of the plants was actually growing through the blacktop road! The other was in gravel along side the road; both in full sun. It was so pretty I couldn't wait to get home and look it up. Anyone have any suggestions as to how I could start some?

According to the Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants, the root resembles a bitter sweet potato. It can be cooked by boiling in several changes of water. CAUTION: The raw roots are a purgative

I've only seen it in one place here in Maryland: growing over a pile of dead tree branches. It makes them look much better in my opinion, with such pretty flowers.

It seems to have a hard time producing seeds.

I had this pretty vine pop up on a fence in my yard-I don't know how it got there,but it is a very pretty plant-resembles a type of morning glory to me.Some people in Mo consider it a pest,but so far it has only taken up a 3x2 area on my fence.I love vines,and this one is a great "natural" addition!

Has been growing on a red clay bank for many years. Not invasive because of the poor soil, I guess. Drought tolerant.

Listed as both endangered and invasive by USDA-related websites, but I wanted one - it's not invasive here in New York state (zone 5a)