Coast Morning Glory
Calystegia macrostegia · Convolvulaceae
- Form
- Vine
- Height
- climbing/sprawling 3–10 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Blooms
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul
- Pet toxicity
- Mild
- Habitat
- Coastal Sage Scrub · Chaparral · Coastal · Oak Woodland
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Coastal sage scrub, chaparral edges, bluffs, woodland margins
- Form / size: Twining/sprawling native vine
- Sun: Full sun to part shade · Water (established): Low
- Blooms: Spring–summer · Pollinator value: Moderate
Description
A native morning glory with twining stems, arrow-shaped leaves, and pale pink to white funnel-shaped flowers. It scrambles through shrubs rather than forming a woody trunk.
Ecological role
Coast morning glory provides seasonal nectar and flowering structure in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Its twining stems offer climbing routes for insects and small wildlife moving through shrub plantings. The plant blooms March through July, supporting native bees and other generalist pollinators over a sustained period.
The species is documented on Calscape as hosting the morning-glory plume moth (Emmelina monodactyla) and the orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana) in larval development. Its twining habit means it needs supporting vegetation to be effective; planted in dense scrub or shrub margins, the plant provides that structure to climbing insects and birds.
Habitat & range
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, bluffs, canyon edges, and woodland margins in coastal and inland Southern California.
In the garden
Useful on slopes, fences, and informal habitat edges where a seasonal native vine can ramble. Give it something to weave through and avoid placing it in tiny formal beds.
Propagation
From seed or rooted pieces. Scarifying seed may help germination.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Coastal scrub, canyon slopes, and chaparral edges.
Problems
Can twine through nearby plants. Seasonal dieback is normal.
