Morning Glory Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,870 found this helpful

Ipomoea spp

Morning Glory is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with seeds holding the highest concentration of harmful compounds

Its core toxic components are indole alkaloids with natural hallucinogenic properties

Ingestion of large quantities of seeds can trigger more severe effects including hallucinations

FAQ

Is Morning Glory toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, hallucinations, and disorientation if large quantities of seeds are ingested (Low)

Is Morning Glory toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, potential disorientation, and abnormal behavior with high seed intake (Low)

Is Morning Glory toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, potential disorientation, and abnormal behavior with high seed intake (Low)

Is Morning Glory toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, potential disorientation, and abnormal behavior with high seed intake (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Vomiting, hallucinations, and disorientation if large quantities of seeds are ingested

Cats

Low

Vomiting, potential disorientation, and abnormal behavior with high seed intake

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, potential disorientation, and abnormal behavior with high seed intake

Horses

Low

Vomiting, potential disorientation, and abnormal behavior with high seed intake

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsSeeds (highest toxin concentration; leaves and stems have low toxin levels

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route, via accidental consumption of plant material especially seeds

Toxic CompoundsLysergic acid; lysergamide; elymoclavine; chanoclavine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the affected person or pet's mouth immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical professional or veterinarian
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification

Contact Vet Immediately

• If vomiting persists for more than 30 minutes
• If the affected individual shows signs of disorientation, hallucinations, or unusual behavior
• If ingestion of a large quantity of seeds is confirmed

Prevention

• Keep potted Morning Glory plants and stored seeds out of reach of children and pets
• Avoid planting Morning Glory in pastures or areas accessible to grazing horses
• Clearly label stored Morning Glory seeds to prevent accidental consumption

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive fluid therapy to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting
• Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
• Monitor for neurological symptoms and provide targeted symptomatic care for neurological effects as needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameIpomoea spp

AliasesCommon Morning Glory、Ornamental Morning Glory

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Indole alkaloids interact with central nervous system neurotransmitter receptors, causing gastrointestinal irritation and neurological effects

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Low toxicity risk; vomiting and mild neurological signs may occur only if large volumes of seeds are ingested

Sheep: Very low risk; adverse effects are only documented in cases of large quantities of seeds are consumed

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Sweet Potato Vine Ipomoea batatas

Both are in the Ipomoea genus and have similar heart-shaped leaves; sweet potato vine is non-toxic and lacks high indole alkaloid content

Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis

Both are in the Convolvulaceae family with similar trumpet-shaped flowers; field bindweed has smaller pale flowers and lower overall toxin concentrations

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Related Toxic Plants

Hedge Bindweed

Calystegia sepium

Moderate toxicity

Dodder

Cuscuta spp

Low toxicity

Beach Moonflower

Ipomoea violacea

Moderate toxicity

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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

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