Convolvulus tricolor
Dwarf morning glory
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Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Convolvulus tricolor (Dwarf morning glory) is a non-native California herb in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by distinctive tricolored flowers.
Dwarf morning glory is a naturalized non-native perennial found in the central coastal region of Monterey County in disturbed areas at elevations below 20 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces distinctive blue-purple and yellow flowers with a white center, each bloom 1.4 to 4 centimeters wide. Growing with spreading stems up to 60 centimeters tall and sparse to dense reddish hairs, it has a short-lived, sprawling habit. Its leaves are obovate to oblanceolate, less than 6 centimeters long and 6 to 13 millimeters wide, positioned nearly sessile along the stem. Each flower emerges from a peduncle 1 to 5 centimeters long, accompanied by small linear bracts near the calyx.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key feature is distinctive tricolored flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 20 m
Outside California: widely cultivated, native to Mediterranean
Bloom period
Convolvulus tricolor blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Calystegia: Calystegia has larger flowers and blunt, paddle-shaped stigma lobes; Convolvulus has pointed stigma lobes.; vs Ipomoea: Ipomoea stigma is a single rounded knob; Convolvulus stigma splits into two pointed lobes.; vs Oenothera: Oenothera has four separate petals and cross-shaped stigma; Convolvulus has fused funnel petals.; vs Evolvulus: Evolvulus flowers have separate petals almost to base; Convolvulus petals form clear funnel.; vs Petunia: Petunia has star-shaped throat pattern; Convolvulus flowers lack central star pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Is Convolvulus tricolor native to California?
No. Convolvulus tricolor is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Convolvulus tricolor bloom?
Convolvulus tricolor blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Convolvulus tricolor belong to?
Convolvulus tricolor is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Convolvulus.
What habitat does Convolvulus tricolor grow in?
Convolvulus tricolor grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.