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Native Plant Society of Texas

Beach Morning Glory

Ipomoea imperati

Other common name(s):

Beach Morning-glory

Family:

Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Coastal Sand Plain, Floodplains and Low Terraces4, Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Vine

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

4
to
30
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Well Drained, Moist, Saline

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Nectar Insects, Hummingbirds, Moths, Bees

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Drought and salt tolerant. Excellent groundcover and good for sand stabilization. Native habitat: coastal dunes. WARNING: toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Propagation: seeds, root cuttings.

Comments

Blooms August-September. Forms smooth trailing stems with small, elliptical, fleshy, dark green leaves notched at the apex. Forms roots at the nodes. Showy, funnel-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. The fruit is a capsule.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Ipomoea stolonifera

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Take stem cuttings without the application of root hormones. Single- or multiple-node stem cuttings can be taken along any portion of the stem. Place at least one node into the rooting substrate and place under intermittent mist with natural photoperiod until roots form. Cuttings root within 7 to 10 days and should be removed from mist at the first sign of rooting, or they will quickly deteriorate. Hand water until plants form sufficient roots to hold the propagation substrate when removed from the propagation cell. Plants grow quickly once transferred to containers with a well-draining substrate in either greenhouse or nursery conditions. 1) https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SG173 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/ipomoea-imperati_3301.html#:~:text=To%20propagate%20through%20seeds%2C%20the,fertilizer%20to%20ensure%20optimal%20growth.
Seed Scarification Germination for beach morningglory requires scarification because seeds are physically dormant (Martínez et al. 1992). Seeds germinate with both constant (90% at 35°C) and fluctuating day/night temperatures (60 to 85% at 40/20°C) in dark or light. Seeds retain germinability when buried up to 0.75 in and inundated with 25% seawater. Regardless of the method of propagation, it is important to keep the plants away from extreme conditions such as cold drafts or too much direct sunlight. Once established, the plants should be watered regularly and fed with a balanced fertilizer to ensure optimal growth. 1) https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SG173 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/ipomoea-imperati_3301.html#:~:text=To%20propagate%20through%20seeds%2C%20the,fertilizer%20to%20ensure%20optimal%20growth.
Bud Division Sections should then be replanted into well-draining soil mix and watered frequently. Regardless of the method of propagation, it is important to keep the plants away from extreme conditions such as cold drafts or too much direct sunlight. Once established, the plants should be watered regularly and fed with a balanced fertilizer to ensure optimal growth. Separate the parent plant by carefully digging it up and dividing the root system into multiple sections. Each section should have enough roots and healthy shoots or leaves. https://plantiary.com/plant/ipomoea-imperati_3301.html#:~:text=To%20propagate%20through%20seeds%2C%20the,fertilizer%20to%20ensure%20optimal%20growth.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason