Jacquemontia tamnifolia Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Convolvulaceae

Stems:

Leaves:

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Calyx.

Flowering – August – December.

Habitat – Waste ground, disturbed sites, roadsides, railroads, fields, fencerows. Also cultivated.

Origin – Native to North America and tropical America.

Other information – This vining and attractive species can be found mainly in the southern 2/3 of Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its brilliant blue flowers, vining habit, and (in the late fall and winter) the “puff balls” of the infructescence which persist on the plant at each node.
The species epithet tamnifolia means “leaves of Tamnus“, which is a genus in the family Dioscoreaceae, the yam family.
The genus name Jacquemontia is given in honor of Frenchman Victor Jacquemont (1801-1832). Although he only lived a short time, Jacquemont was an avid explorer. His travels took him from France to the United States, Haiti, and India. He died from diseases while in Bombay on December 7, 1832.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken off Moores Mill Road, Auburn, AL., 8-18-04, and off Lee Rd 10, Lee County, AL., 8-27-04.