Beach Morning Glory

(Ipomoea pes-caprae)

Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Ipomoea pes-caprae, commonly known as Beach Morning Glory or Goat’s Foot, is an evergreen vine or herb native to coastal areas, including beaches, dunes, and coastal grasslands in the Tropical Americas, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Tropical Africa. It is a prostrate perennial, often covering large areas with its long-trailing stems that can extend several meters in length, rooting at the nodes, and featuring a glabrous texture. The plant is characterized by its showy pink flowers with fused petals and a darker center, blooming throughout the year in warmer climates. The fruit is a capsule containing 4 hairy seeds that are adapted to float in water, aiding in dispersal.

Beach Morning Glory is crucial for dune stabilization, being one of the first plants to colonize sandy areas. It is typically found on the seaward slopes of dunes, where it sends long runners down towards the toe of the dune. This plant is valued in cultivation for its ability to stabilize soil and for its ornamental flowers. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained sandy soils. While it is not commonly used in traditional gardens, it is ideal for coastal restoration projects and erosion control.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 30-75 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Coastal areas, including beaches, dunes, and coastal grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Bay-Hops, Bayhops, Goat’s Foot, Railroad Vine, Salsa, Salsa-Brava, Salsa-Pé-De-Cabra

Scientific Names: , Ipomoea pes-caprae, Bonanox orbiculata, Ipomoea brevipes, Ipomoea crassifolia, Ipomoea pes-caprae f. albiflora, Ipomoea pes-caprae f. arenaria, Plesiagopus cuneifolia, Plesiagopus maritima,

GBIF Accepted Name: Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R.Br.