This is the most widespread native species of Ipomaea in eastern and central states, where it is also the only perennial member of the genus, with a large tuberous root that native people used to eat. Colls. from FAYE (KY) and KENT (B) may be referred to var. rubescens Choisy, with reddish flowers. Flowers are white with a purple center. Without flowers or roots, identification is difficult to impossible. Stems are largely glabrous; leaves are rarely lobed (or with only slight blunt lobes) and they tend to be more pubescent than lacunosa or purpurea.