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Bush morning-glory - Ipomoea leptophylla
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
DRAFT: Requesting feedback on the 2026 revised rank, factors, and State Rank Reason outlined below and in the Conservation Status Rank Report.
Ipomoea leptophylla is rare in Montana, where it is known from the southeastern portion of the state, which is at its northern extent. This species with showy flowers has only been observed a few times in the recent decades with several additional historical collections existing. It would not appear to be under-collected or overlooked due to its relative size and showiness. Data on population sizes and extent are lacking for the majority of observations. However, population levels would appear to be very small. Additionally, several are adjacent to or near roads, which increases the chances of negative impacts from road maintenance, non-native species, herbicide spraying and other activities. As such, its viability in the state appears to be at risk.
Surveys of known occurrences are greatly needed to document population sizes and extent, habitat quality and potential threats. Additional surveys of potentially suitable habitat are also needed to determine if other populations
General Description
Glabrous perennial with an enlarged root. Stems ascending to erect, 30–100 cm. Leaves short-petiolate; blades linear-lanceolate, entire, 3–12 cm long. Inflorescence few-flowered, axillary cymes; peduncles ca. 1 cm long. Flowers: calyx 5–10 mm long, lobes ovate, the inner longer and wider; corolla lavender, 5–7 cm long; stamens unequal, included. Capsule 10–15 mm long, beaked (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Diagnostic Characteristics
This distinctive plant is not easily mistaken for anything else in Montana. It has reddish, funnel-shaped flowers that are several inches long. The stems are woody at the base and creep along the ground. It has the general appearance of a morning glory.
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
MT, SD south to NM and OK (Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 14
(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version)
Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Open prairie habitats of the Great Plains, particularly in sandy or gravelly soils.
National Vegetation Classification System Groups Associated with this Species
Shrubland
Sagebrush Shrubland
Grassland
Lowland - Prairie Grassland
Ecology
POLLINATORS The following animal species have been reported as pollinators of this plant species or its genus where their geographic ranges overlap:
Bombus vagans,
Bombus pensylvanicus, and
Bombus griseocollis (Colla and Dumesh 2010).
Stewardship Responsibility
Threats or Limiting Factors
STATE THREAT SCORE REASON
Threat impact not assigned because threats are not known (MTNHP Threat Assessment 2021).
References
- Literature Cited AboveLegend:
View Online Publication
Colla, S.R. and S. Dumesh. 2010. The bumble bees of southern Ontario: notes on natural history and distribution. Journal of the Entomological Society of Ontario 141:39-68.- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 771 p.
- MTNHP Threat Assessment. 2021. State Threat Score Assignment and Assessment of Reported Threats from 2006 to 2021 for State-listed Vascular Plants. Botany Program, Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, Montana.
- Additional ReferencesLegend: View Online Publication
Do you know of a citation we're missing?- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2022. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants, Second Edition. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 779 p.
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