Species library · Plants & herbs

Moonflower: poisonous

Ipomoea alba

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Moonflower is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from May to February in the northern hemisphere. Found in Scrub & hedgerows, Disturbed ground.

☠ Poisonous
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · iNaturalist

When Moonflower appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Moonflower is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Disturbed ground.

Look up Moonflower in the app

In the Forage app, Moonflower has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Moonflower: common questions

Is Moonflower poisonous?

Yes. Moonflower is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Moonflower appear?

Moonflower usually appears from May to February in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Moonflower grow?

Moonflower is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Disturbed ground.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits