Tropical White Morning-Glory
Ipomoea alba
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Central American Pacific Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Galápagos, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © isaacajactletequiliquihua (iNaturalist #21504957)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Convolvulaceae
- Genus:
- Ipomoea
- Species:
- Ipomoea alba
- USDA Symbol:
- IPAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Pink-spotted hawk moth (Agrius cingulata), Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica), Yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Lantanophaga pusillidactylus, Pink-spotted hawk moth (Agrius cingulata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies, moths
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils in tropical regions
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or soaking in warm water) before sowing. Germinates readily in warm soil.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)