Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Meet the Natives: Railroad Vine
This week we are highlighting one of our coastal dune species, the railroad vine (Ipomea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis). Railroad vine’s range extends through most coastal areas of Florida.
This plant gets its unique name from its tendency to grow in railroad-like ‘tracks’ across dunes.
“If you’ve ever taken a walk along the beaches here on Sanibel you have likely encountered this beautiful flowering groundcover,” said SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sophie Carpenter.
Railroad vine is considered a pioneer, or early successional species, meaning it is often one of the first species found in dune habitats after a disturbance such as hurricanes or storm surge.
“It’s an excellent plant for dune preservation and stabilization, and because of its coastal habitat this plant is highly salt spray, and drought tolerant,” Carpenter said.
Typically, railroad vine prefers full sun and well-draining, sandy soils. It is a quick-growing ground cover, and will stay low but can get over 20 feet long — though it can be easily pruned back. It is evergreen and blooms year round, with peak blooms occurring in the late spring and throughout the summer. Its funnel-shaped flowers are a gorgeous pink-purple.
“Like other members of the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae, railroad vine flowers only bloom in the morning and last one day,” Carpenter said. “However, these plants are prolific bloomers and will produce many showy flowers that attract a variety of pollinator species including native bees, butterflies, and moths.”
Like other beach dune species, railroad vine has several unique adaptations to help it survive harsh coastal conditions. Their leaves are waxy which help the plant retain moisture, and their seeds are adapted to spend time floating at sea before washing ashore and germinating.
Learn more about railroad vine and other beach dune species at SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL.