Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

The large underground storage root is the principal edible part. Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains harvested the tubers as an emergency food and, in some regions, as a regular seasonal resource. Modern assessments have ranged from describing the plant as an excellent wild food to dismissing it as little more than a famine food. Much of this difference appears to arise from which part of the root was eaten and how it was prepared. The massive central tuber contains the highest proportion of edible tissue. Smaller woody extensions radiating from the tuber become increasingly fibrous with age and contribute little food value. Careful selection of the central storage tissue greatly improves both texture and flavour. Freshly dug tubers are firm, dense and chalky, with a consistency somewhat resembling raw carrots or very hard potatoes. The flesh is white while the outer surface becomes increasingly woody toward the older portions of the root system. Boiling transforms the tuber dramatically. After approximately thirty minutes the firm flesh softens into a texture remarkably similar to cooked potatoes. The flavour likewise develops into one closely resembling white potatoes rather than sweet potatoes, despite belonging to the same genus as the cultivated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). A faint earthy or slightly musty note may occasionally be present, but unpleasant bitterness is absent. The long lateral roots tell a very different story. These tentacle-like extensions are initially tender when young but rapidly become tough, fibrous and woody. They require considerable chewing even after prolonged cooking and contribute little food value. Their poor quality probably explains many of the unfavourable historical reports concerning the species. Because of its substantial carbohydrate reserves, bush morning glory represents one of the more significant native root crops of the Great Plains. Nevertheless, excavating the enormous root demands considerable effort. In soft sandy soils harvesting may be straightforward, whereas mature specimens growing in hard prairie soils can require extensive digging. Large roots may penetrate well over a metre below the surface, making complete extraction difficult. Roots can be harvested throughout the year if the plant's location is known. Summer flowering makes plants especially easy to locate, while dormant winter plants leave little visible evidence above ground. Known Hazards: Bush morning glory is generally regarded as a safe edible species when the correctly identified tuber is prepared and eaten in moderation. Unlike some members of the morning glory family, there are no well-documented reports of toxic alkaloids occurring in the storage roots of Ipomoea leptophylla, and Native American peoples traditionally used the tubers as food. Correct identification remains important because several other members of the morning glory family contain biologically active compounds, particularly in their seeds. The seeds of many Ipomoea species contain ergot-related alkaloids and should not be eaten unless their safety is specifically known. The seeds of I. leptophylla have not traditionally been used as food. The enormous woody rootstock can be difficult to excavate, especially in compact soils, and collecting mature plants may permanently destroy long-lived individuals. Sustainable harvesting is therefore important. When possible, only a small proportion of plants should be harvested, and gathering should be avoided where populations are sparse. Seasonality (Phenology): New shoots emerge during late spring from the massive underground rootstock. Vegetative growth accelerates as temperatures rise, followed by flowering during midsummer through early autumn. Seed develops during late summer before the above-ground stems die back with autumn frosts. The enormous underground tuber remains dormant throughout winter before producing new shoots the following year. The storage root can technically be harvested at any season, but it is easiest to locate while the plant is in flower. Dormant winter plants leave little indication of their position unless previously marked. Expert Forager Notes [2-3]. Bush morning glory has earned both praise and criticism as a wild food, and both opinions contain an element of truth. Some authors describe it as one of the finest native root vegetables of the Great Plains, while others dismiss it as little more than a starvation food. The difference largely comes down to harvesting technique. The edible portion is the large central storage tuber. This thick, carbohydrate-rich core softens beautifully during cooking and develops a flavour remarkably similar to a white potato. In contrast, the long woody roots extending from the tuber rapidly become fibrous, tough and unpleasant. These lateral roots probably account for many of the negative historical descriptions. Digging mature plants is often the greatest challenge. Even in sandy soils, the storage root commonly lies deep below the surface and may require considerable excavation. In heavier prairie soils, harvesting can be extremely labour-intensive, with older specimens proving almost as difficult to extract as small tree stumps. An axe or heavy knife may be needed to split the massive tuber and expose the softer interior. The species flowers from July to September, making this the easiest time to locate plants. Once dormant, bush morning glory becomes surprisingly inconspicuous despite the enormous food reserve hidden beneath the soil. Foragers wishing to revisit productive colonies often mark their locations while the plants are still flowering. The resemblance in flavour to cultivated potatoes is one of the most surprising characteristics of this species. Although belonging to the same genus as sweet potato, its cooked flavour is much closer to that of ordinary white potatoes, with only a faint earthy note distinguishing it. When properly prepared, the central tuber is far superior to what many early reports suggest. Root - raw or cooked. Crisp, sweet and tender[2, 46, 61, 85]. Some reports suggest that the root is not very nice and was only used when nothing else was available, this is probably because old roots were tried[85, 257]. Roots should be no more than 3 years old, preferably only 2[85]. The roots can be up to 1.2 metres long[2] and weigh 11 kilos[235]. This report almost certainly refers to roots older than 3 years[K].

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Cardiac  Salve  Stomachic  Miscellany

This plant was used as a cardiac stimulant by some native North American Indian tribes[213]. An infusion of the staminate cones has been used as a stomach tonic[257]. The root has been scraped and eaten raw as a treatment for stomach troubles[257]. The pulverized root has been dusted onto the body as a dressing to ease pain[257].

Miscellany

Bush morning glory is primarily valued as an ornamental native wildflower and as a component of prairie restoration projects. Its exceptionally large trumpet-shaped flowers provide a striking display during the hottest part of summer when many prairie plants have already finished flowering. Because it develops an enormous underground storage root, established plants are remarkably drought tolerant and require little maintenance once mature. The extensive root system also contributes to soil stability on sandy or erosion-prone sites. Although it is not generally planted for erosion control, its deep perennial root helps bind loose soils and allows the plant to survive drought, fire and grazing that eliminate many shallower-rooted species. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract numerous native bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects. Hummingbirds also visit the blooms where the species overlaps their range. Wildlife Value: Although the foliage is occasionally browsed by grazing animals, the species' greatest ecological value lies in supporting pollinating insects during midsummer when prairie nectar sources become less abundant. The deep perennial root allows plants to survive drought and fire, helping maintain stable prairie plant communities over many years. Some native North American Indian tribes would use the root to store fire in the days before matches. They would start a fire in the root, wrap it up and hang it outside. It was said that the fire would keep for seven months[257].

Special Uses

Food Forest