Ipomoea pes-caprae
 
Common Names Railroad Vine, Beach Morning Glory, Bayhops, Goat’s Foot
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A sprawling, salt-tolerant vine native to tropical and subtropical coasts worldwide, Ipomoea pes-caprae is one of the most effective natural sand stabilizers. Its thick runners and cloven leaves anchor beach dunes and protect fragile shorelines from erosion. The large, funnel-shaped purple flowers bloom prolifically and attract a wide range of pollinators. A true pioneer species, it’s often the first to colonize disturbed coastal areas.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Prostrate, trailing vine; roots at nodes; forms dense mats
Height: 6–16 in (15–40 cm); runners may extend 30–100 ft (9–30 m)
Leaves: Succulent; two-lobed; rounded with a notched tip resembling a goat’s hoof
Flowers: Funnel-shaped; purple to pinkish-purple with darker throat; 2.5–3 in wide; open in morning, fade by afternoon
Fruit: Capsule with 4 velvety seeds; buoyant and saltwater-tolerant
Ecology: Attracts bees, butterflies, moths, and ants; stabilizes dunes; tolerates extreme salt, wind, and sandblast
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Dry, sandy, nutrient-poor; well-drained
Temperature: Hardy to ~30°F (–1°C); frost sensitive
Humidity: High tolerance; thrives in coastal humidity
Propagation: Seed or cuttings; seeds float and germinate easily
Tolerance: Salt spray, sandblast, drought, high winds
 
Landscape Use Essential for beach restoration, dune stabilization, and coastal native gardens. Use in large-scale erosion control projects or as a groundcover in seaside landscapes. Pairs well with Uniola paniculata, Coccoloba uvifera, and Scaevola taccada.