Railroad-creeper
Ipomoea cairica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Railroad-creeper is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–360" H × 48"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
LA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Railroad-creeper is a fast-growing perennial vine that produces purple morning glory-like flowers from late spring through fall. This vigorous climber can quickly cover fences, trellises, or arbors with its heart-shaped leaves and colorful blooms. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Railroad-creeper takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely aggressive spreader that can overwhelm other plants
- Can look unruly without frequent pruning
- May be considered invasive by some HOAs
Wildlife value
The abundant flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. Its extended flowering period provides a reliable nectar source from May through October.
Common questions
- How much sun does Railroad-creeper need?
- Railroad-creeper grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Railroad-creeper bloom?
- Railroad-creeper blooms in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Railroad-creeper native?
- Railroad-creeper (Ipomoea cairica) is native to LA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Railroad-creeper toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Railroad-creeper is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Railroad-creeper toxic to cats?
- Yes. Railroad-creeper is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Railroad-creeper attract?
- Railroad-creeper draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Railroad-creeper HOA-friendly?
- Railroad-creeper takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Railroad-creeper and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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