Common morning-glory Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,123 found this helpful

All plant parts except roots are toxic, with seeds holding the highest concentration of psychoactive ergoline alkaloids including LSA.

Ingestion can trigger neurological effects (sedation, hallucinations, tachycardia) and gastrointestinal distress (nausea, diarrhea).

It is easily confused with other Ipomoea species and Convolvulus tricolor, many of which also carry toxicity risks.

FAQ

Is Common morning-glory toxic to Humans?

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

Is Common morning-glory toxic to Cats?

No species-specific symptom data documented. Suspected to cause neurological (disorientation, restlessness) and gastrointestinal (vomiting, diarrhea) signs if ingested; consult a vet immediately after exposure. (Unknown)

Is Common morning-glory toxic to Dogs?

Is Common morning-glory toxic to Horses?

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

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

Cats

Unknown

Dogs

Unknown

Horses

Unknown

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts except roots, with seeds being the most toxic

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion of plant material, especially seeds; routine skin contact does not typically cause adverse effects

Toxic CompoundsErgoline alkaloids; Argoclavine; Elymoclavine; Chanoclavin I; Lysergol; Penniclavin; Ergin (Lysergic acid amide, LSA); Erginin (Isoergin); Lysergic acid-α-hydroxyethylamide; Ergometrine; Ergosine; Egocornine; Ergocristine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a poison control professional or veterinarian.
• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed person/animal's mouth and rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water.
• Document the exact plant part (especially if seeds were consumed) and approximate quantity ingested to share with medical staff.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of the plant, particularly seeds, by pets or livestock.
• If the exposed animal exhibits abnormal neurological signs (disorientation, unprovoked agitation, sedation) or gastrointestinal distress.
• If the animal has an elevated heart rate or excessive sweating after suspected exposure.

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and livestock to avoid accidental ingestion.
• Label potted or garden-planted Ipomoea purpurea clearly to avoid confusion with non-toxic lookalike species.
• Never consume any part of the plant, especially seeds, for recreational purposes due to documented adverse effect risks.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining unprocessed toxins if ingestion occurred within the past 2 hours.
• Provide supportive care including intravenous fluids to correct dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
• Deliver symptomatic care for tachycardia, hallucinations, and other presenting signs as directed by a medical or veterinary professional.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameIpomoea purpurea (L.) Roth; Convolvulus purpureus L.

AliasesTall morning-glory、Purple morning glory、Purpur-Prunkwinde、Purpur Trichterwinde、Bunte Gartenwicke、Liseron pourpre、Liseron bleu、Volubilis、Ipomée、Campanella turchina

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Central nervous systemGastrointestinal tractCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Psychoactive ergoline alkaloids (especially LSA) bind to serotonin and dopamine receptors in the central nervous system, triggering neurological and psychiatric effects.

• Ergoline alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: No species-specific toxicity data available; suspected to cause neurological distress and gastrointestinal irritation if large quantities of seeds are ingested.

Rodents: Laboratory studies confirm high seed doses cause sedation, reduced motor function, and diarrhea in rodent test subjects.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Ipomoea species Ipomoea spp.

Most Ipomoea species share very similar funnel-shaped flower and heart-shaped leaf morphology; many contain varying concentrations of ergoline alkaloids, so proper species identification is required to accurately assess toxicity risk.

Dwarf morning-glory Convolvulus tricolor

Has nearly identical flower shape to Ipomoea purpurea but grows to a much smaller mature size; it has lower documented toxicity risk than purple morning glory.

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Related Toxic Plants

Heavenly blue morning glory

Ipomoea tricolor

Moderate

Hawaiian baby woodrose

Argyreia nervosa

High

Field bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

Low

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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.