Cypress Vine

Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) is a member of the Convolvulaceae or morning glory family. This fast growing vine sports diminutive star shaped flowers of a brilliant cardinal red hue. Cypress vine is a true annual and will die back completely in the winter. In the warm summer months this vine seems to leap from the ground and begin twining upward with its soft feathery foliage.

Cypress Vine is a native of Mexico but has begun to establish throughout the tropical regions of North America. Although non-native plants are generally discouraged, Dr Steve Christman of Floridata writes “Although cypress-vine is not native to North America, it has caused little concern among those who would protect us from exotic pest plants, probably because it does not appear to be replacing any native species or disrupting natural plant communities. It is, in my opinion, a welcome addition to our flora.”

Also known as Hummingbird Vine, this species sprouts from seed in about four days and is a fast climbing vine. When dotted with attractive scarlet flowers, Cypress Vine makes a nice seasonal addition to a topiary or hedge. The scarlet tubular flowers of the vine are described as being attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds.

The genus name Ipomoea derives from from the Greek ips or ipos (meaning wormweed or bindweed) and homoeos (meaning resembling, referring to the twining habit).

This vine is currently growing near the side entrance to the BioWorks Butterfly Garden and will be in bloom within a few more days.