Wild Sweet Potato

Wild Sweer Potato(Ipomoea pandurata)

       The wild Sweet Potato, a native plant, located in the eastern half of the United States, blooms in late spring and early summer producing large two to three inch white flowers with purple centers which open in the morning and close in the afternoon.
       The Wild Sweet Potato, a member of the Morning glory Family (Convolvulacea), have leaves up to six inches long which are located along the sprawling vine which can reach over nine feet long. The leaves are heart shaped and opposite.
       The root of the wild Sweet Potatoes produces a large root which weighs over fifteen pounds.
       The root ,said to be eatable, has reportedly been used as a laxative and as a treatment for arthritis. There have also been reports that the roots are poisonous (see warning below).
       This plant can be considered a noxious or threated depending upon the geographical area in which it's located.
       It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.