prairie wildflower
Bush Morning-glory
Ipomoea leptophylla
1 of 3Native to Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming
South Dakota to Colorado and south-central Montana, south to Oklahoma and New Mexico
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Dry Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Jun–Aug Flowering time
- Height up to 3 ft to 0.9 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A prairie wildflower for partial shade and lean, dry soil. Its pink and purple flowers peak in July. At up to 3 ft, it suits meadows and sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Bush Morning-glory's pink and purple flowers bloom June to August, peaking in July. This midsummer display draws bees and moths.
Bush Morning-glory blooms pink & purpleFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Great Plains Turret Bee
- Moths White-lined Sphinx
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and WyomingUnited States (8): CO, KS, MT, NE, NM, OK, SD, WY. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- South Dakota to Colorado and south-central Montana, south to Oklahoma and New MexicoThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Sandy or gravelly soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to heavy (sandy to clay)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- Mildly acid to mildly alkalineThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
- Water use
- LowHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
- Lime (CaCO₃) tolerance
- NoneHow well it copes with chalky, lime-rich soil.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 3 ft (to 0.9 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Jun–AugWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Pink, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.