# Morning Glory (*Ipomoea purpurea*)

Morning Glory flowers are beautiful and colorful blooms that open in the morning and close in the afternoon. They come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, adding a touch of magic to gardens.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Gardens
- **Also known as:** Bindweed, Convolvulus, Wild Morning Glory, hedge bindweed

![Morning Glory](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/BlueMorningGlory.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Original uploader was PiccoloNamek at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BlueMorningGlory.jpg)

## Appearance

The Morning Glory is a beautiful climbing vine known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. These delicate blooms often appear in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, sometimes with striking star-like patterns. Its large, heart-shaped leaves provide a lush green backdrop.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Solanales
- **Family:** Convolvulaceae
- **Genus:** Ipomoea

## Interesting facts

- Some Morning Glories can change their flower color depending on the soil's acidity!
- Sweet potatoes are actually related to the Morning Glory flower!
- The seeds of some Morning Glory species were once used in ancient rituals!
- Their flowers close up tight in the afternoon, like going to sleep!

## Special abilities

- **Coiling Climber:** Morning Glory has strong, twining stems that can coil around structures, helping it climb high to reach more sunlight.
- **Speedy Sprouter:** Morning Glory can grow very quickly from seed, allowing it to rapidly establish itself and compete for resources.
- **Sun Seeker:** Morning Glory flowers open only in the morning sun, helping them attract pollinators when they are most active.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 100-300 cm
- **Spread:** 50-150 cm
- **Flower Size:** 5-10 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer to fall
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** Mild
- **Lifecycle:** Annual
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — gathers nectar and pollen
- **Eaten by:** Tobacco Hornworm (*Manduca sexta*) — caterpillars munch on leaves
- **Pollinates:** Clouded Sulphur Butterfly (*Colias philodice*) — sips nectar from flowers

## Traits

- [Climbing/Vine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/climbing-vine): Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
- [Tube Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tube-flower): A tube flower has petals fused together at the base, forming a distinct tubular structure that typically holds nectar deep within.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Enjoy looking at Morning Glory flowers, but avoid touching or eating them as some varieties can be toxic.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Morning Glory?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Morning Glory?

100-300 cm

### How wide does Morning Glory spread?

50-150 cm

### How big are the flowers on Morning Glory?

5-10 cm

### When does Morning Glory bloom?

Summer to fall

### Is Morning Glory edible?

No

### Is Morning Glory toxic?

Mild

### What is Morning Glory's lifecycle?

Annual

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Morning Glory: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/morning-glory)