Is Morning Glory Poisonous To Touch Humans

Alright, let's talk morning glories! Those cheerful, trumpet-shaped flowers that seem to burst open just to greet the sun. They're climbers, twining their way up fences, trellises, and sometimes even your unsuspecting mailbox (guilty!). But a question I hear a lot is: are these beauties safe to handle? Are we talking secret agent flowers with a poisonous touch?

The short answer is: generally, no, touching morning glories won't send you running for the emergency room. You won't suddenly sprout extra fingers or turn green. It's not like handling poison ivy where you know you'll regret it for days. Touching the leaves, stems, or flowers of most common morning glory varieties isn't usually a problem for your skin.

Think of it like petting a fluffy kitten. You might get a little dirt on your hands, maybe a tiny scratch, but you're not expecting a venomous bite, right? It's the same with morning glories.

So, Why All the Worry?

Okay, here’s where things get a little more nuanced. The main concern about morning glories and potential toxicity isn't skin contact, it's ingestion. And even then, it’s really the seeds we're talking about.

Morning glory seeds contain lysergic acid alkaloids, which are related to LSD. Yes, that LSD. Now, before you start envisioning your garden as a psychedelic wonderland, let's be clear: eating a few seeds won’t send you on a full-blown trip. The concentration of these alkaloids varies greatly depending on the variety of morning glory, and the amount you'd need to ingest for any significant effect is pretty substantial, and not particularly pleasant.

Think of it like eating a whole jar of nutmeg. It technically can have a hallucinogenic effect, but you'd have to eat so much, and the side effects (nausea, vomiting, etc.) are so awful, that nobody in their right mind would do it for fun. It’s similar with morning glory seeds. More trouble than it's worth!

The seeds taste bitter, and eating them can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and other unpleasant digestive issues. It’s more of a “my stomach hates me” situation than a mind-bending experience.

Who Needs to Be Extra Careful?

Even though touching morning glories is generally safe, and the seed ingestion issue is more about large quantities, there are a few groups who should exercise extra caution:

• Small children: Kids love to put things in their mouths. Keep a close eye on little ones playing near morning glories and discourage them from eating any part of the plant.
• Pets: Just like kids, dogs and cats might nibble on things they shouldn’t. Morning glory seeds can be toxic to animals, so keep your furry friends away from them. If you suspect your pet has ingested morning glory seeds, contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Pregnant women: As with many things, it's best to err on the side of caution during pregnancy. Avoid ingesting morning glory seeds.
• People with underlying health conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, particularly related to your digestive system, it's always wise to consult with your doctor before knowingly ingesting anything that could potentially cause a reaction.

So, Should You Rip Out All Your Morning Glories?

Absolutely not! These flowers are beautiful, attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and add a touch of whimsical charm to any garden. Just be aware.

Think of it like owning a kitchen knife. It's a useful tool, but you wouldn't let a toddler play with it unsupervised, right? Same with morning glories. Enjoy their beauty, but take sensible precautions.

Simple Steps for Peace of Mind

Here are a few easy things you can do to enjoy your morning glories without worry:

• Identify your variety: Some varieties are known to have higher concentrations of lysergic acid alkaloids in their seeds. Knowing what you're growing can help you assess any potential risk.
• Keep seeds out of reach: After the flowers fade, they'll produce seed pods. Collect these before they ripen and scatter, or simply deadhead the flowers regularly to prevent seed formation.
• Wash your hands: After gardening, it's always a good idea to wash your hands, especially before eating.
• Educate: Teach children and pets not to eat any part of the plant.

Ultimately, morning glories are more friend than foe. With a little common sense and awareness, you can enjoy their vibrant beauty without any worries. So, go ahead, admire those cheerful blooms and let them brighten your day! Just maybe don't make a morning glory seed smoothie.