Also known as Cardinal Climber, Star Glory, Cardinal Vine, Hummingbird Vine
Cypress vines climb rapidly by twining slender green stems around trellises and neighboring plants, cloaking supports in delicate, deeply divided, feather-like foliage. Each morning, dozens of vivid scarlet, five-pointed star flowers flare open from narrow floral tubes, providing an abundant nectar source tailored to hummingbirds and long-tongued insects. Originating in the American tropics, this prolific annual self-seeds freely and has naturalized throughout warm temperate and tropical landscapes worldwide.
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
Tortoise beetle
Spider mite
Caterpillar
ThreatsFreezing winter temperatures, prolonged drought, and herbicide applications
HabitatsDisturbed soil, roadsides, fencerows, garden edges, and moist thickets
Life span1 year (annual)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
OrderSolanales
FamilyConvolvulaceae
GenusIpomoea
SpeciesIpomoea quamoclit
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Seeds contain toxic alkaloids; harmful to humans, dogs, and cats if ingested.
Why it is dangerous
Seeds and foliage contain indolizidine and ergot-type alkaloids that trigger severe vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and lethargy in humans and domestic pets.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its feathery, thread-like pinnate leaves and bright scarlet, five-pointed star flowers.
What to do
Keep ornamental plantings away from curious pets and young children, and dispose of seed pods safely.
Responsible observation
Support Structures: Provide a fine trellis, string grid, or wire fence to accommodate its delicate twining stems.
Pollinator Watching: Watch blooming vines in mid-morning to catch hummingbirds hovering at the tubular blossoms.
Garden Containment: Deadhead spent flowers before they drop seed pods if you want to avoid rampant self-sowing next season.
