Bush Moon Flower

Ipomoea leptophylla

Physical Characteristics

Ipomoea leptophylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - South Dakota to Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico and Texas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked. Crisp, sweet and tender[2, 46, 61, 85]. Some reports suggest that the root is not very nice and was only used when nothing else was available, this is probably because old roots were tried[85, 257]. Roots should be no more than 3 years old, preferably only 2[85]. The roots can be up to 1.2 metres long[2] and weigh 11 kilos[235]. This report almost certainly refers to roots older than 3 years[K].

Medicinal Uses

Cardiac Miscellany Salve Stomachic This plant was used as a cardiac stimulant by some native North American Indian tribes[213]. An infusion of the staminate cones has been used as a stomach tonic[257]. The root has been scraped and eaten raw as a treatment for stomach troubles[257]. The pulverized root has been dusted onto the body as a dressing to ease pain[257].

Known Hazards

None known