Not a grass (Misidentified Plant)
Ipomoea purpurea (likely) · Dicotyledonous broadleaf vine (Non-Poaceae)
Grass Family
Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Vine (often mistaken for grass in lawns despite being a vine)
Variety / Cultivar
Common Morning Glory / Wild Morning Glory
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-11 (grown as an annual in colder zones, perennial in tropical zones).
About This Grass
The image shows a broadleaf vine with heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, not a grass. It has thin, reddish-purple stems that wrap around structures like chain-link fences.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves are broad, heart-shaped, and 2-5 inches wide; not narrow blades. They have palmate-pinnate venation; no ligule or auricles are present.
Root System
Fibrous root system or taproot depending on maturity; fast establishment from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Mexico and Central America; naturalized worldwide in temperate and tropical regions.
Growth Habit
Twining vine; non-rhizomatous, non-stoloniferous but climbs using stems.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; moderate water needs; highly adaptable to various soil pH and types.
Mowing & Maintenance
Not applicable; typically managed as an agricultural or garden weed with herbicides or hand-pulling.
Special Characteristics
High climbing ability, prolific seed production, and ability to smother grasses and shrubs.
Ecological Information
Introduced ornamental that often becomes invasive; provides nectar for pollinators but crowds out native ground-level vegetation.