The Structure of the Moonflower

Roots

• The roots of the moonflower plant thrive in loamy, well-drained soil. Agile and hearty, the root systems are strong and grow quickly. Healthy moonflower roots need adequate water and a light layer of mulch. Dried roots of the moonflower plant are traditionally used for medicinal purposes.

Stem

• The green, hairless stem of the moonflower grows like a vine and has a milky interior. The vines will spread quickly in warm weather and are suitable as a ground cover or trellising plant. The main stem of the plant can grow up to 20 feet long and produces many shorter sub-stems.

Leaves

• The leaves of the moonflower plant are a deep green and can grow up to 8 inches long. Grown off the shorter stems produced from the main longer stem, the leaves are three-lobed, appearing to be heart-shaped. The vibrant, evergreen leaves provide a contrasting background for the flower of the plant. The healthy leaves are bright and shiny but unhealthy leaves may be suffering from fungus, usually due to over-watering.

Flowers and Seeds

• The fragrant blooms of the moonflower plant are white, alabaster or light pink. Just as the sun sets, the round, trumpet-shaped blossoms will start to open to attract pollinating moths. Opening up to 6 inches in diameter, the blooms will close and wither when dawn arrives. On overcast days, the flowers will stay open. Just below the flower blooms are husks that harbor the seeds. Both the seeds and blooms of the moonflower plant are highly poisonous, so keep children and animals away from the plants.