Mexican morning glory Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,284 found this helpful

All plant parts except roots are toxic, with seeds containing the highest concentration of ergoline alkaloids

Ingestion causes psychoactive symptoms including hallucinations, disorientation, tachycardia and gastrointestinal distress

The plant is easily confused with other Ipomoea species and Convolvulus tricolor, which may also have toxic properties

FAQ

Is Mexican morning glory toxic to Humans?

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

Is Mexican morning glory toxic to Cats?

No specific toxicity data available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or abnormal behavior (Unknown)

Is Mexican morning glory toxic to Dogs?

No specific toxicity data available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or abnormal behavior (Unknown)

Is Mexican morning glory toxic to Horses?

No specific toxicity data available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or abnormal behavior (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 available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or abnormal behavior

Dogs

Unknown

No specific toxicity data available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or abnormal behavior

Horses

Unknown

No specific toxicity data available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or abnormal behavior

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant except roots, with highest toxin concentration in seeds

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; skin contact with broken plant tissue may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

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

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly if plant material is ingested; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional
• Move affected individual (human or animal) to a quiet, safe space to prevent injury from disorientation or hallucinations
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate species identification

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet has ingested any part of the plant, especially seeds
• Your pet exhibits abnormal behavior, disorientation, vomiting, or rapid heart rate after exposure
• Skin or eye irritation occurs after contact with the plant

Prevention

• Keep plants and harvested seeds out of reach of children and pets
• Confirm plant identity to avoid confusion with non-toxic related ornamental species
• Do not consume any part of the plant for recreational or medicinal purposes

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care including monitoring of heart rate and mental status
• Administer activated charcoal to reduce toxin absorption if ingestion occurred within 2 hours
• Provide symptomatic treatment for gastrointestinal distress, tachycardia, or agitation as directed by a medical/veterinary provider

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameIpomoea tricolor Cav.

AliasesMorning glory、Prunkwinde、Kaiserwinde、Ipomée à grandes fleurs、Campanella tricolore

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Central nervous systemGastrointestinal tractCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Ergoline alkaloids bind to serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system

• Psychoactive lysergic acid amide (LSA) induces altered mental status, hallucinations, and autonomic dysfunction

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No formal toxicity studies are available; ingestion of large quantities may cause disorientation, reduced feed intake, and gastrointestinal distress

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Ipomoea species Ipomoea spp.

Most Ipomoea species share similar trumpet-shaped flower morphology, making visual differentiation difficult; confirm identity via leaf shape and seed characteristics

Dwarf morning glory Convolvulus tricolor

Both produce similar tricolored trumpet-shaped flowers; Convolvulus tricolor is smaller in stature and does not contain high levels of ergoline alkaloids

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Related Toxic Plants

Hawaiian baby woodrose

Argyreia nervosa

Moderately toxic

Beach morning glory

Ipomoea violacea

Moderately toxic

Field bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

Low toxic

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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.