Morning glories are a familiar sight in many gardens, admired for their beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers that unfurl with the morning sun. These vining plants bring a charming aesthetic to fences, trellises, and arbors, blooming in a spectrum of colors from vibrant blues and purples to soft pinks and whites. While their visual appeal is undeniable, their edibility is often misunderstood, posing potential dangers. Their beauty belies a complex and often hazardous nature.
Understanding Morning Glory Edibility
Morning glories, particularly their seeds, are not considered safe. While some historical or traditional uses of specific parts or species exist, these were typically in very controlled contexts, often for medicinal or ritualistic purposes. For instance, certain indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica historically used morning glory seeds in specific ceremonies, believing them to possess spiritual properties.
Traditional Chinese medicine also utilized morning glory seeds for their laxative properties. However, these historical applications involved specific preparations and knowledge that are not suitable for casual use. It is important to distinguish common ornamental morning glories from a few edible relatives within the broader Ipomoea genus, such as Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach) and Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), which are cultivated as food sources. Most ornamental morning glory varieties should not be treated as a food source.
The Dangers of Morning Glory Consumption
Morning glories are dangerous for consumption due to toxic compounds, most notably lysergic acid amide (LSA). This alkaloid is found predominantly in the seeds of many common morning glory species, including Ipomoea tricolor and Ipomoea purpurea. LSA is structurally similar to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and can produce psychoactive effects when ingested.
Ingestion of morning glory seeds can lead to unpleasant and potentially severe symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Beyond physical discomfort, individuals may experience dizziness, confusion, altered perceptions of time and vision, and even hallucinations. Other reported symptoms include increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and psychological disturbance. Even small amounts can pose a risk, particularly for children or pets who might be attracted to the seeds.
Safe Practices and Identification
Given their toxicity, adopting safe practices is important. Recognizing morning glories in your garden helps prevent accidental ingestion. These plants are characterized by their vining habit, often reaching lengths of 6 to 10 feet in a single season. Their leaves are typically heart-shaped, and the trumpet-shaped flowers, which usually open in the morning and close by afternoon, come in various shades including purple, blue, pink, and white.
When handling morning glories in the garden, particularly if children or pets are present, supervision is advisable to discourage any curious exploration by mouth. Keeping seed packets out of reach is a simple yet effective measure, as the seeds contain the highest concentration of harmful compounds. Morning glories offer significant ornamental value and should be appreciated purely for their aesthetic contribution to the landscape, not as a food source.