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Swamp Morning Glory

Ipomoea aquaticafam. Convolvulaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleannual, perennialedibleedible leafedible rootperennialvine
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Ipomoea aquatica (Swamp Morning Glory) — botanical photograph
Pl. AB92 — Ipomoea aquatica
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Overview

Swamp Morning Glory (Ipomoea aquatica) is a vine and herb native to Guatemala, where it thrives in moist or wet habitats, often found in light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils. This plant prefers full sun and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall, making it a fast-growing addition to any garden. Known for its edible leaves, roots, and shoots, Swamp Morning Glory can be both an ornamental and a valuable food source. The plant can adapt as either an annual or perennial, depending on the climate, making it versatile in various growing conditions from zones 7-12. This versatile plant is native to Guatemala but has been introduced to numerous regions, including Angola, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Botswana, and many others. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments, coupled with its edible parts, makes it a useful addition to gardens and agricultural settings. The leaves, roots, and shoots can be prepared by boiling or steaming before consumption, providing a nutritious food source. Additionally, Swamp Morning Glory is known for its utility in animal feed and soil reclamation, making it a valuable plant in agricultural practices. While Swamp Morning Glory is generally safe to grow and consume, gardeners should be cautious of its potential to become a weed in certain areas. Its adaptability and rapid growth can sometimes lead to invasive behavior, so careful monitoring is recommended.

Quick answers

What is Swamp Morning Glory?

Swamp Morning Glory (Ipomoea aquatica) is a vine and herb native to Guatemala, where it thrives in moist or wet habitats, often found in light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils. This plant prefers full sun and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall, making it a fast-growing addition to any garden.

Compare with:Bush Moon Flower→Calystegia pellita→Conanthera campanulata→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Swamp Morning Glory thrives in full sun and requires moist to wet conditions, making it suitable for areas with heavy or clay soil as well as lighter sandy soils. It can grow up to 0.5 meters tall and is either an annual or perennial, depending on the climate (hardy in zones 7-12). For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently damp; regular watering will help maintain its health. Propagate via seeds for easy growth. Enjoy its edible leaves, shoots, and roots.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-12
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Swamp Morning Glory for the first time

7steps

Start with simple soil and basic care for Swamp Morning Glory.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings, a container or garden bed, potting mix if using containers.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's moist but not waterlogged.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden once the soil is warm, or start seedlings indoors about 4 weeks before planting out.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent sunburn. Water daily until plants are established.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. Provide support for vines to climb.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune occasionally to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Swamp Morning Glory (Ipomoea aquatica) is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves, shoots, and roots are typically prepared by boiling or steaming before consumption.
Other uses:Animal feedSoil reclamation
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

72 native · 108 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 72 native· 108 introduced
Asia31 regions
native (15)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalOmanPakistanPhilippinesSaudi ArabiaSri LankaThailandVietnamYemen
introduced (16)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalOmanPakistanPalestinePhilippinesSaudi ArabiaSri LankaThailandVietnamYemen
Americas18 regions
native (1)Guatemala
introduced (17)BelizeColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPeruPuerto RicoSurinameUnited States
Africa64 regions
native (31)AngolaBotswanaBurundiCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritaniaMozambiqueNamibiaNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
introduced (33)AngolaBotswanaBurundiCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritaniaMauritiusMozambiqueNamibiaNigeriaSenegalSeychellesSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Oceania6 regions
native (2)FijiVanuatu
introduced (4)FijiNauruNew CaledoniaVanuatu
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Caprivi Strip, Caroline Is., Central African Repu, Congo, Gilbert Is., Gulf States, Jawa, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Marianas, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Queensland, Sulawesi, Sumatera, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Zaïre
introduced:Aruba, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Caprivi Strip, Caroline Is., Central African Repu, Christmas I., Congo, Florida, Gilbert Is., Gulf States, Jawa, KwaZulu-Natal, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Marianas, Mississippi, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Panamá, Queensland, Réunion, Society Is., Solomon Is., South China Sea, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Trinidad-Tobago, Wallis-Futuna Is., West Himalaya, Western Australia, Zaïre
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Ipomoea aquatica (Swamp Morning Glory) — botanical photograph
Swamp Morning Glory (Ipomoea aquatica)
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See also

7 related
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Explore further

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