The species shares some features with the close relative Ipomoea purpurea,[3] and is almost identical in appearance to wild forms of I. nil.

When it co-occurs with Ipomoea purpurea, natural selection favors individuals of I. hederacea with anthers that are more tightly clustered around the stigma.

This fitness reduction is not reciprocal, however, as I. hederacea pollen does not germinate on I. purpurea stigmas, thus giving the latter species a potential advantage competitively.

This selective pressure leads the anthers to form a barrier over the stigma of I. hederacea to protect from pollen from other species making contact, but possibly increasing self-pollination, as well.

[5] The seeds of the plant have been mentioned to contain up to 0.5% of lysergol, an ergoline alkaloid also found in other Ipomoea and fungi from the Claviceps genus.