Ipomoea alba aka Moon Flower

Ipomoea alba, or moonflower, is in the morning glory family. It comes from the Americas, in tropical and subtropical areas. Its range includes Mexico and Florida. It also includes the Caribbean and South America. It has spread to other warm regions beyond this range. This tender vine is a perennial. In cooler gardens, it grows as an annual. Its stems wind around a support to climb.

Vines reach 10–15 feet (3–4.57 metres) in one growing season. They spread 3–6 feet (0.91–1.83 metres). Some accounts give heights of 30 feet (9.14 metres). In tropical climates, vines can exceed 70 feet (21.34 metres). The stems lack hairs but have small prickles. They also hold milky sap. Deep green leaves grow in turn along each stem. Each leaf has a heart-shaped base. Its outline is round or broadly oval. The edges are smooth or have slight lobes. Leaves measure 0.33–0.67 feet (0.10–0.20 metres) long.

The white flowers have a scent. They open from late afternoon into early evening. Each bloom opens fast, sometimes within just a few minutes. The blooms have a funnel shape, with five joined lobes. Their centres are pale green. They reach 0.5 feet (0.15 metres) across and close at dawn. Flowers bloom from midsummer into fall. Missouri reports blooms in July–October. Moths fly at night to feed on the flowers' nectar. They also pollinate the blooms. Brown capsules form next, each with a pointed tip. They split open and release four smooth, white seeds.

Grow moonflower in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It accepts clay, loam, or sand across a broad pH range. Growth stays slow until the weather warms, then speeds up. A fence, arbor, or trellis gives the stems support. The vine can grow in containers and hanging baskets, too. It covers garden structures and makes a short-term screen. Its night blooms suit patios and gardens used after dark. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12. Frost can harm plants. Containers can spend winter indoors. Growing it from seed is straightforward. The hard seed coat needs treatment, though.

The sources report no major insect or disease problems. Its deer resistance adds to its worth in gardens. Strong growth can smother plants nearby. Sources also note that it could become a weed. PFAF lists cooked young leaves and fleshy calyces as food. It also reports that people eat young seeds. But safety sources disagree. NC State warns that seeds can cause vomiting. Large amounts may cause hallucinations. The page also warns of risks to pets. These warnings mean reports of food use do not imply safety.