Bush Morningglory (Ipomea leptophylla)

JUNE-AUGUST

Bush Morningglory Ipomea leptophylla Torr. (MORNINGGLORY FAMILY)

Bush morningglory is a bushy perennial 2-4 ft tall arising from a huge turnip-shaped taproot weighing up to 25 pounds. The root may be 1 1/2 ft in diameter and 3-4 ft long. The alternate leaves are linear and nearly sessile, slanting upward. The axillary flowers have a pink funnel-form corolla and resemble the common morningglory. The fruit is an ovoid, long-pointed capsule. The root of this plant can be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled or it can be dried for future use. The younger roots are the best for eating purposes.