Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Wild Sweet Potato
(Man Of The Earth)
Ipomoea pandurata [C-value 5]
Morning Glory family (Convolvulaceae)
Blooms
mid-July -
mid-September
The native Wild Sweet Potato is common in our area. It prefers full to partial sun and most any type of soil. Habitats include upland woodlands, edges of prairies near woodlands, rocky streambanks, thickets and areas along roads and railroads. This perennial is a twining vine up to 20-30' long, usually climbing adjacent vegetation. Along the reddish purple stems are alternate heart-shaped leaves up to 6" long and 4" across with petioles that are often reddish purple. Flowering stalks develop from the axils of the leaves with a cluster of 1-5 flowers. The corolla of each flower is white, except for rosy pink or reddish purple coloration deep within its throat. The corolla has 5 shallow petals and is 2½-3" across when fully open. Like others of the Morning Glory family, the flowers bloom during the morning.
Wild Sweet Potato at Richard Young Forest Preserve August 3, 2013
Wild Sweet Potato at Richard Young Forest Preserve August 3, 2013
Wild Sweet Potato at Richard Young Forest Preserve September 4, 2013
Wild Sweet Potato at Richard Young Forest Preserve August 3, 2013
Native Americans used the roots (potatoes) of this plant as food. Decoctions and infusions of the plant were used as a diuretic, a laxative and to treat colds, coughs and headaches. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice.
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