Railroad Vine

Binomial name

Ipomoea pes-caprae

Common names

Beach Morning Glory, Goat’s Foot

Description

Ipomoea pes-caprae, or Beach Morning Glory, is a fast-growing, sprawling perennial known for its vibrant purple flowers and thick, heart-shaped leaves. Native to coastal areas, this hardy plant is often seen growing along beaches and sandy dunes. Its sprawling vines spread rapidly and form a dense ground cover, making it ideal for erosion control in coastal landscapes. The striking, funnel-shaped purple flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Though it’s well-suited to sandy soils, it’s also a popular choice for hanging baskets or ground cover in well-drained, sunny garden areas.

Light requirements

This plant thrives in full sun and performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Being a coastal plant, it is highly tolerant of full sun exposure and can handle the heat of the afternoon sun, making it ideal for sun-drenched spots in gardens or near the coast.

Soil preferences, including pH and drainage

Ipomoea pes-caprae is well-suited to sandy, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is tolerant of poor soils, including salty coastal sand, and does not require highly fertile soil to grow. However, it thrives in soils that retain some moisture while draining well, as it dislikes standing water and can suffer from root rot if waterlogged.

Water needs

This plant is drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil evenly moist during its growing season, but allow it to dry out between waterings. During the cooler months, reduce watering, as it needs less moisture while dormant. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent the roots from rotting.