How to identify Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

How to identify Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

Moonflower, also known as Moon vine, Goodnight

Moonflower presents as a climbing vine with a propensity to exhibit abundant growth. Its definitive feature is the large white blossoms that emit a notable aroma and unfurl only after sunset, often measuring 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm) in diameter. The vine supports heart-shaped, lush green leaves which can extend up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. The flowering occurs prolifically throughout the growing season, creating a striking nocturnal display.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Vine, Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Moonflower

Large, white nocturnal blooms of 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) diameter with distinctive lime-green stripes.

Heart-shaped leaves, lush green, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, occasionally with 3 lobes.

Fruit is a small, fleshy capsule, 2-3 cm (1 inch) long, turning from green to dark brown.

Stems are hairless, twining, with milky sap, appearing somewhat prickly, averaging 0.2-0.4 inches (0.5-1 cm) in diameter.

Branching stems spiral, facilitating climbing habit, producing a striking nocturnal display.

Detailed Traits of Moonflower

Leaf Features

The leaves of moonflower are deep green and large, arranged alternately along the stems. They are broadly ovate to heart-shaped, sometimes featuring 3 lobes. The leaves measure approximately 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in length and 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in width. The petioles are thick, occasionally fleshy, and range from 2 to 7 inches (5 to 18 cm) long. The leaf margins are entire or slightly lobed, with a characteristic deep green color.

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Flower Features

Moonflower flowers are large, six-inch (15 cm) in diameter, trumpet-shaped blooms characterized by five white lobes with distinctive lime-green stripes and a light green star center. These nocturnal flowers are fragrant, opening in the late afternoon and closing by dawn from mid-summer to fall. Each blossom features a greenish floral tube and is borne either in clusters or occasionally singly, further adding to their captivating night-time appeal.

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Stem Features

The stem of moonflower is hairless, featuring some climbing projections. Twining stems are thick, produce a milky sap when cut, and can appear somewhat prickly due to tiny projections. These stems are generally smooth to touch and have a greenish hue, with a diameter averaging around 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm). Branching often occurs in a spiral pattern, facilitating their climbing habit.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of moonflower is a small, fleshy capsule, typically 2–3 cm (around 1 inch) in length. It transitions in color from green to dark brown or black as it matures. The capsule has a conical shape with a distinctive acuminate tip that provides a pointed appearance. Upon reaching maturity, the fruit splits open to reveal four large, hairless, and smooth, white seeds. These seeds, which contrast against the darker fruit capsule, can aid in the identification of moonflower.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Moonflower and Their Similar Plants

Sweet potato vine vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

While most assume that the sweet potato vine is a potato, it is not considered nightshade. However, sweet potatoes and potatoes both belong to the order of Solanales. Its culinary use is wide and can be fried, baked or boiled.

Common morning glory vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

Common morning glory natives in Mexico and Central America and is commonly planted as an ornamental plant prized for its colorful trumpet-shaped flowers. It is naturalized in temperate and subtropical areas globally and in many places, always grown weedy and is considered to be invasive in many parts of the world.

Blue morning glory vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

Blue morning glory (Ipomoea indica) is a twining evergreen vine native to tropical environments around the world. In the morning, the plant's flowers bloom and are a bright blue. By the end of the afternoon, the blossoms fade to a purple-pink color. New flowers appear daily from late spring to early fall.

Cypress vine vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

Cypress vine is a beautiful vining plant with fern-like foliage and star-shaped red flowers. Cypress vine is resistant to deer and attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in moist but not soggy soil, with full sun and a structure to climb on. This striking plant is toxic like its cousin, the Morning Glory.

Mexican morning glory vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

This vining annual, the mexican morning glory, is a great climber for trellises, with heart-shaped leaves and showy blue blooms. Morning glories get their name because they open in the morning and close in the brighter afternoon light.

Mile-A-Minute Vine vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

Mile-A-Minute Vine (Ipomoea cairica) is seen all over the Hawaiian Islands because centuries ago, Polynesian explorers carried in their oceangoing canoes. It contains hydrogen cyanide so never follow the ancient Polynesians' example of roasting the tubers of the plant and eating them. It is always considered an invasive weed.

Man of the earth vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

Man of the earth, or Ipomoea pandurata, is a vining perennial native to North America. Bees and hummingbirds are fond of the white flowers. It grows quickly, and the tubers in the ground are difficult to remove, so it may cause problems for the garden.

Saltmarsh morning-glory vs. Moonflower: What's The Difference?

Saltmarsh morning-glory (Ipomoea sagittata) is a trailing perennial vine that will grow to 1.8 m long. Native to the southern United States, it can be found in Florida’s marshes and mangrove swamps. It blooms in summer and fall with showy, funnel-shaped pink to purple flowers that bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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Key Facts About Moonflower

Attributes of Moonflower

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Plant Height

3 m to 4.5 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Moonflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Family

Morning-glory

Genus

Morning glories

Species

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

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Distribution Map of Moonflower

Moonflower thrives across several continents, with a native range spanning significant portions of Central and South America. As a cultivated plant, moonflower enjoys a broad distribution due to its ornamental appeal. In regions where moonflower is introduced, such as parts of Asia, Oceania, and Africa, it has adapted well to local ecosystems. While moonflower can naturalize in new environments, there are certain areas where it is sometimes thought to be with the potential to affect native plant communities.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Moonflower How to Grow and Care for Moonflower