Railroad Vine
Ipomoea pes-caprae
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ipomoea pes-caprae (Railroad Vine) is a native coastal vine found in AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC, and TX that blooms pink flowers from March through November. This salt-tolerant groundcover attracts bees, moths, and hummingbirds in sandy beach environments.
Railroad Vine 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Railroad Vine as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 48"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths, hummingbirds, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Railroad Vine is a fast-spreading coastal ground cover with thick, succulent-like leaves and showy purple morning glory flowers. This aggressive vine can quickly cover large areas and is extremely salt and drought tolerant. It blooms consistently from spring through fall with flowers that open in the morning.
Growing Railroad Vine
Grow Railroad Vine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 48 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Railroad Vine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Spread too large for structured beds
Wildlife value
The large purple flowers attract bees, moths, and other nectar-loving insects throughout its extended blooming season. Night-flying moths are particularly drawn to the flowers.
Common questions
- Where does Railroad Vine naturally grow?
- Railroad Vine is native to coastal areas in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas, where it grows in sandy beach and dune habitats.
- When does Ipomoea pes-caprae bloom?
- Railroad Vine produces flowers from March through November, with peak blooming during the warmer months. The pink trumpet-shaped flowers open in early morning.
- What pollinators visit Railroad Vine?
- Railroad Vine attracts bees, moths, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. The morning-blooming schedule particularly benefits early-active pollinators.
- How much water does Railroad Vine need?
- Railroad Vine is adapted to low water conditions and thrives in sandy, well-draining soils. It is highly salt-tolerant and can withstand coastal spray and drought conditions.
- Is Railroad Vine toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Railroad Vine 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 Vine toxic to cats?
- Yes. Railroad Vine 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.
- Is Railroad Vine toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Railroad Vine as toxic to livestock.
- Is Railroad Vine HOA-friendly?
- Railroad Vine 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 Vine and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.