Silver dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus sericeus, Prodr.: 55 (1788))

Family: Convolvulaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Prodr.: 55 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Evolvulus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The silver dwarf morning-glory is a captivating plant known for its small yet vibrant presence in the plant world. Scientifically referred to as Evolvulus sericeus, this enduring species belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It was first detailed in 1788 by the botanist Sw., in the publication Prodr.: 55.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of America, the silver dwarf morning-glory thrives in diverse climatic conditions, reflecting its adaptability and resilience. This characteristic has enabled the silver dwarf morning-glory to spread across a wide range of environments, making it a familiar sight in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Visually, Evolvulus sericeus is distinguished by its silvery foliage, which adds a unique texture and color contrast to garden spaces. The leaves are often coated in fine, silky hairs, giving the plant a soft and somewhat shimmering appearance. In addition to its striking leaves, this plant produces charming, petite blossoms that can range in shades from pale blue to violet, bringing an element of delicate beauty to its surroundings.

In terms of care and cultivation, the silver dwarf morning-glory is relatively low-maintenance. It tends to flourish in well-drained soils and can tolerate periods of drought, which makes it a favorable choice for gardeners seeking hardy yet attractive plants. Evolvulus sericeus performs well in sunny locations and can be used effectively as ground cover or in rock gardens, where its compact growth habit and appealing foliage can be fully appreciated.

Overall, the silver dwarf morning-glory is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robustness and versatility in landscaping. This plant species exemplifies the extraordinary diversity and beauty found within tropical and subtropical flora, contributing to the rich tapestry of plant life in these regions.

Common Names

Eng: silky evolvulus, silver dwarf morning-glory, silver dwarf morningglory, blue dots
En: Silver dwarf morning-glory, Silver evolvulus, Silky evolvulus, Silver dwarf morningglory, Blue Dots
Es: Gateador

Synonyms

• Evolvulus alsinoides var. sericeus ((Sw.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• California (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Sam Rios (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2020 by Barbosa Jana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2020 by Barbosa Jana (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Diana Nelson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Conn Alastair Hammerfell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2008 by EOL − Alex V. Popovkin (cc-by)

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 3, 2015 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2014 by EOL − CH Hemphill (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 5, 2013 by EOL − Mikael Behrens (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 13, 2021 by John Touma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 9, 2019 by Gwen (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928672)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:268156-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Evolvulus sericeus Sw.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth