Vines

 Man-of-the-Earth is blooming. Ipomoea pandurate has many common names. I’ve read, but never heard, “manroot.” I have heard “Indian potato,” “wild potato,” and “wild sweet potato,” which is what I grew up with. The roots might remind you of sweet potatoes.

But I like Man-of-the-Earth.

The North Carolina Extension Service says the vines can reach 30 feet. The flowers are shaped like funnels. The blooms are white with dark purple eyes. I’d say oxblood, although I’m not good with colors.

I’m thinking of vines because I’ve been removing English ivy from the woodlot, getting into poison ivy along the way. When I started, the English ivy was ankle deep. I’ve thinned it out, and I’m finding native vines.

Muscadine, Vitus rotundifolia, grows everywhere in the Piedmont. With the English ivy knocked back, it seems to be taking over the woodlot. But I’ve also found American hog-peanut, Amphicarpaea bracteata; Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia; and laurel greenbriar, Smilax laurifolia.

I’ll be removing English ivy till kingdom come, but I’m done for the season. The poison ivy has too much sap, and it’s too hot to wear coveralls for protection. I’ll get back to work this fall.