Thurber's Morning-Glory
NameThurber's Morning-Glory
Scientific NameIpomoea thurberi
Common NamesThurber's Morning-Glory, Thurber's Bindweed
Plant FamilyConvolvulaceae
Natural HabitatNative to the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northern Mexico, it thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, often found on rocky slopes, washes, canyons, and open grasslands.
Parts Used
Medicinal Actions
Traditional UsesThurber's Morning-Glory is not widely documented for traditional medicinal uses. While some *Ipomoea* species have historical uses as purgatives (from roots) or for entheogenic purposes (from seeds containing ergoline alkaloids), these are not specific to *I. thurberi* and often carry significant toxicity.
Preparation Methods
Contraindications & WarningsDue to the general toxicity of many *Ipomoea* species, particularly the seeds which can contain psychoactive alkaloids, ingestion of any part of Thurber's Morning-Glory is not recommended. Specific contraindications for *I. thurberi* are not well-studied, but caution is advised for pregnant or nursing individuals, children, and those with liver or kidney conditions.
Cultivation NotesThis plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor and rocky conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established and can be grown from seed. It typically grows as a sprawling groundcover or a weak climber.
Raritycommon
Description
Thurber's Morning-Glory is a perennial vine or sprawling herb characterized by its delicate, funnel-shaped flowers, typically pale pink to lavender with a lighter, often greenish-white throat. Its leaves are generally lobed or deeply divided, and it produces small, round seed capsules.
