Are Morning Glories Edible? The Dangers & What to Know
While some morning glory relatives are food staples, the common garden plant poses risks. Learn the crucial distinction to know what is safe to eat.
The name “morning glory” refers to a large group of plants in the Ipomoea genus, which causes confusion about their edibility. While some members of this family are food crops, the common ornamental vines in gardens are not considered edible. Certain parts of the plant are non-toxic, but others contain potent chemical compounds, making botanical identification important.
The Edibility of Morning Glory Plants
The vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers of common morning glory species, such as Ipomoea purpurea or Ipomoea tricolor (‘Heavenly Blue’), are often the subject of edibility questions. While some sources mention using the flowers as a garnish, they are not a culinary ingredient. The flowers are considered non-toxic, but they are not intended for consumption or recognized as a food source.
The rest of the ornamental morning glory plant, including the leaves and stems, is not consumed. The foliage of these climbing vines is not used in cooking and is considered unpalatable. Unlike some of its relatives, the plant is grown for its aesthetic appeal rather than for food.
The Dangers of Morning Glory Seeds
The main danger associated with morning glory plants lies within their seeds. The seeds of many ornamental species contain lysergic acid amide (LSA), a naturally occurring psychoactive compound. Chemically similar to LSD, LSA can induce powerful hallucinogenic effects, altering perceptions of time, sound, and vision. Historically, cultures like the Aztec people used these seeds in ceremonial rituals.
Ingesting these seeds is hazardous. Beyond the intended psychoactive experiences, consumption often causes significant physical discomfort and distressing psychological effects, which can include anxiety and paranoia.
Commercially available morning glory seeds pose an additional risk. To deter misuse, packets sold for gardening are frequently treated with fungicides or other chemical coatings. These substances are not meant for human consumption and add another layer of toxicity. The seeds of ornamental morning glories are not edible and should be handled as a potentially toxic substance.
Identifying Edible Morning Glory Relatives
Confusion about edibility arises because the Ipomoea genus includes important food crops that are relatives of the ornamental morning glory. The most well-known is the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), cultivated for its large, starchy tuberous roots. The leaves of the sweet potato plant are also edible when cooked. Sweet potato vines look similar to ornamental varieties but are grown as a ground cover for their edible roots.
Another prominent edible relative is Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), commonly known as Kangkong. This plant is a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines, where its tender shoots and leaves are consumed. As its name suggests, water spinach thrives in wet, aquatic environments, which distinguishes it from the common garden morning glory. It is cultivated specifically for its culinary use.
Symptoms of Morning Glory Ingestion
Ingesting the seeds of ornamental morning glory varieties can lead to predictable symptoms due to their LSA content. The physical effects often begin with gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other bodily symptoms may include dilated pupils, an increased heart rate, and dizziness.
The psychological effects can be unsettling, manifesting as auditory and visual hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and feelings of euphoria. These experiences can turn negative, leading to anxiety, fear, and paranoia. If you suspect someone has ingested morning glory seeds, seek medical attention or contact a poison control center for guidance.