Contents
Description
Calystegia Malacophylla, also known as the woolly morning glory, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to California and is found in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral ecosystems. The plant can grow up to 3 feet in length and has a woody base.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Calystegia |
Appearance
The woolly morning glory has large, woolly leaves that are gray-green in color. The flowers are funnel-shaped and are typically pink or white in color with a yellow center. The plant blooms from May to September and the flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. The plant’s woody base can become quite large and gnarled over time.
Care Guide
The woolly morning glory requires moderate watering and should not be over-watered. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The woolly morning glory is susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. It can also be affected by powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and to remove any dead or diseased foliage.
Habitat
The woolly morning glory is native to California and is found in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral ecosystems. It prefers well-draining soils and can be found growing on hillsides, in canyons, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the woolly morning glory an invasive species?
A: No, the woolly morning glory is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Can the woolly morning glory be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the woolly morning glory can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s woody base.
Q: How often should the woolly morning glory be fertilized?
A: The woolly morning glory should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can the woolly morning glory tolerate shade?
A: The woolly morning glory prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Related Plants
- Calystegia gigantea
- Calystegia sepium
- Calystegia soldanella
References
- “Calystegia malacophylla.” Calflora. Accessed June 1, 2021. http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Calystegia+malacophylla.
- “Calystegia malacophylla.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAMA15.
- “Woolly Morning Glory.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/calystegia-malacophylla.
