SafePlants

Calystegia malacophylla: Sierra False Bindweed

Calystegia malacophylla, a member of the Morning Glory family (Convolvulaceae), is commonly known as Sierra False Bindweed, Sierra Morning Glory, or Woolly Morning Glory. Other common names include Jepson's Morning Glory, Coast Range False Bindweed, and Hillside Morning Glory.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene
  • Calystegia fulcrata (A. Gray) Brummitt ssp. malacophylla (Greene) Brummitt
• Subspecies:
  • Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz subsp. malacophylla
  • Calystegia malacophylla ssp pedicillata
• Varieties:
  • Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz var. malacophylla
  • C. m. malacophylla varit. berryi

Distribution and Habitat

• Calystegia malacophylla is endemic to California.
• It is found in the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges of California, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Specific locations mentioned include Castle Lake in northern California, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, and Los Padres National Forest.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Calystegia malacophylla is a perennial vine, forb, or herb.
• It is evergreen, retaining its leaves year-round.
• The plant is relatively small in size.
• In summer, it often displays a white coloring.
• It trails more than it climbs, growing along the ground.

Ecological Role

• Other species in the genus *Calystegia* can be considered noxious weeds of agricultural lands. While not explicitly stated for *Calystegia malacophylla*, it shares this family trait, making it relevant to discuss in the context of invasive potential.