Hi, Dr. Hill,
This plant was growing in full sun just outside the edge of a woody area of the SC fall line. It appears to have a trailing nature as opposed to a climber, but it’s too early to be sure. It was photographed July 3 and is not longer available due to construction in the area so I can’t know if it would have flowered. The leaves have fine hairs along the edges and on the midrib and petiole. Thank you!
Hi Diane,
I am rather certain that this is one of the morning glories called ‘Man-root’, Ipomoea pandurata. As I remember, it is called Man-root because it has a very large tuber underground that sometimes looks like a person [I have not seen this]. You should be able to find some others in the area to see the flowers, which should tell you if I am correct or not.
Sincerely,
Steve Hill, Botanist, SCNPS