The Curious Case of Arizona’s Morning Glories (Ipomoea spp.)

Arizona is host to an extremely rich and diverse flora due to our varying climate, elevation, soils, and ecological zones amongst other factors. The state has almost 4,000 species of native plants, unmatched by most regions of the United States (ANPS, 2019). Of those nearly 4,000 native species, Arizona has 12 species of native morning glories (Ipomoea spp.) (Table 1). Morning glories, both annual and perennial, are typically herbaceous plants with many cultivated varieties being a favorite ornamental for home gardeners. Morning glories often have long stems that climb and twine, with leaves being large and heart-shaped or lobed. Flowers are funnel-shaped and vary in color from violet or blue to red, pink, and white.