Dwarf morning-glory Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,494 found this helpful

All plant parts except roots are toxic, with the highest ergoline alkaloid concentration found in seeds

Ingestion can trigger sedation, hallucinations, tachycardia, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea

It is easily confused with other Convolvulus species and common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

FAQ

Is Dwarf morning-glory toxic to Humans?

Sedation, clouded consciousness, hallucinations, restlessness, tachycardia, sweating, headaches, nausea, diarrhea (Moderate)

Is Dwarf morning-glory toxic to Cats?

No specific toxicity data documented; monitor for neurological distress and gastrointestinal upset if ingested (Unknown)

Is Dwarf morning-glory toxic to Dogs?

No specific toxicity data documented; monitor for neurological distress and gastrointestinal upset if ingested (Unknown)

Is Dwarf morning-glory toxic to Horses?

No specific toxicity data documented; monitor for neurological distress and gastrointestinal upset if ingested (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Sedation, clouded consciousness, hallucinations, restlessness, tachycardia, sweating, headaches, nausea, diarrhea

Cats

Unknown

No specific toxicity data documented; monitor for neurological distress and gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Dogs

Unknown

No specific toxicity data documented; monitor for neurological distress and gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Horses

Unknown

No specific toxicity data documented; monitor for neurological distress and gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant except roots, with highest toxicity in seeds

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact with damaged plant material may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsAgroclavine; Elymoclavin; Chanoclavin I; Lysergol; Penniclavin; Ergin (Lysergic acid amide, LSA); Erginine (Isoergin); Lysergic acid-α-hydroxyethylamide; Ergometrine; Ergosine; Ergocornine; Ergocristine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant fragments from the mouth and rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical professional or veterinarian
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of the plant, especially seeds
• Onset of symptoms including hallucinations, disorientation, rapid heart rate, or persistent vomiting/diarrhea
• Loss of consciousness, extreme lethargy, or seizures in humans or animals

Prevention

• Keep potted specimens and garden plantings out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
• Clearly label all Convolvulaceae family plants to avoid accidental ingestion
• Do not consume any part of the plant for recreational or unproven medicinal purposes

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, under professional guidance
• Provide supportive care including IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea
• Symptomatically manage neurological effects (hallucinations, restlessness) and cardiovascular symptoms (tachycardia) as prescribed by a healthcare provider or veterinarian

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameConvolvulus tricolor L.

Aliases

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Central nervous systemGastrointestinal tractCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Psychoactive ergoline alkaloids (notably LSA) bind to serotonin and dopamine receptors in the central nervous system, triggering neurological symptoms

• Alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal mucosal lining, leading to digestive distress including nausea and diarrhea

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Formal toxicity studies are not available, but ingestion of large quantities may cause neurological and gastrointestinal adverse effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Convolvulus species Convolvulus spp.

Closely related species share highly similar leaf and trumpet-shaped flower morphology; toxicity levels vary across species, so accurate identification is critical

Common morning glory Ipomoea purpurea

Shares the same growth habit and flower structure as dwarf morning-glory; both species carry toxic ergoline alkaloids in their seeds

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Related Toxic Plants

Mexican morning glory

Ipomoea tricolor

Moderately toxic

Hawaiian baby woodrose

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.