Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia
Photo: parent species Calystegia macrostegia · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia is a native California vine in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by on Channel Islands; vigorous climbing habit and large size distinguish it.
Coastal morning-glory is a California native perennial vine found in the northern Channel Islands in coastal scrub habitats at elevations generally below 500 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers with trumpet-shaped corollas 36 to 60 millimeters long. Growing as a climbing vine often exceeding 4 meters in length, it develops nearly smooth stems with age. Its leaves have distinctive two-tipped lobes and widely rounded sinuses, creating a unique leaf structure. The plant is characterized by large, widely ovate bracts 13 to 26 millimeters wide that are strongly keeled and sometimes sac-like in appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species on Channel Islands; vigorous climbing habit and large size distinguish it
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal scrub
Elevation: generally < 500 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Orange, Riverside, Tuolumne
Outside California: Guadalupe, San Martin islands, Baja California
Bloom period
Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Convolvulus: Convolvulus has smaller flowers with sharply pointed stigma lobes; Calystegia stigma lobes are blunt.; vs Ipomoea: Ipomoea stigma is a single rounded knob; Calystegia stigma has two distinct flattened lobes.; vs Datura: Datura flowers are upright with pleated edges; Calystegia flowers are smooth funnels.; vs Abronia: Abronia has clusters of small tubular flowers; Calystegia has single large funnel flowers.; vs Oenothera: Oenothera has four separate petals; Calystegia petals are fused into continuous funnel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia native to California?
Yes. Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia bloom?
Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia grow?
Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia occurs in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Orange, Riverside and other counties, at elevations of generally < 500 m.
What plant family does Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia belong to?
Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Calystegia.
What habitat does Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia grow in?
Calystegia macrostegia subsp. macrostegia grows in Coastal scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.