Bush Moon Flower
Ipomoea leptophyllafam. 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 →
Pl. 7258 — Ipomoea leptophylla
Ipomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophyllaIpomoea leptophylla
IOverview
Overview
Bush Moon Flower, scientifically known as Ipomoea leptophylla, is a perennial forb or herb native to the central and southwestern United States, including states such as Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. Bush Moon Flower is notable for its edible roots, making it a valuable addition to gardens where space and sunlight are abundant.
Quick answers
What is Bush Moon Flower?
Bush Moon Flower, scientifically known as Ipomoea leptophylla, is a perennial forb or herb native to the central and southwestern United States, including states such as Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bush Moon Flower thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in USDA zones 8-11 as a perennial, reaching heights of about 1.2 meters. For propagation, it can be started from seed or divided. The edible parts are the roots.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bush Moon Flower for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic soil preparation for your Bush Moon Flower.
- 1
What you'll need
Bush Moon Flower seeds or seedlings, garden tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light to medium soil. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain shape and promote new growth. Remove dead flowers for a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of the Bush Moon Flower (Ipomoea leptophylla) is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It can be cooked or dried for later use. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 9 native
Broader regions
native:Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
7 related
See also
7 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Convolvulaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Convolvulaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7258008d-0b0c-4596-92cd-f0a58b53508c
Decision aid
Choosing between Bush Moon Flower and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.