Ipomoea pandurata, commonly known as man of the earth or wild potato vine, is a perennial vine native to open woodlands, prairies, and roadsides across eastern and central North America. It can vigorously climb to lengths of up to 30 feet, featuring large, heart-shaped leaves and showy white flowers with a pinkish-purple throat that bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be quite attractive to pollinators. The plant also produces large, tuberous roots that resemble sweet potatoes and can be roasted for consumption or utilized for their medicinal properties.

Wild potato vine is valued for its ornamental flowers and can be used to cover trellises, fences, or other structures in the garden. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, although it is adaptable to various soil types. While it can be drought-tolerant once established, moderate watering will support more vigorous growth. Gardeners should be cautious, as it can become aggressive and may require management to prevent it from overtaking other plants. Additionally, it is potentially invasive outside its native range, so it is essential to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0