Woodrose
Argyreia nervosa
Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) is a large, vigorous tropical vine from India known for its spectacular, showy, silvery-haired leaves and its seeds, which contain the highest concentration of ergine (LSA) of any plant in the world. While the plant produces attractive pinkish-purple, morning glory-like flowers, it is most famous (and infamous) for the powerful psychoactive compounds concentrated in its seeds.
• Produces the largest and most potent LSA-containing seeds of any plant — up to 10x the concentration of morning glory seeds
• Large, showy, heart-shaped leaves covered in silvery-white hairs on the undersides
• Produces pinkish-purple, morning glory-like flowers in attractive clusters
• Native to the Indian subcontinent, where it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries
• The seeds are contained within distinctive, dry, woody, rose-like pods (hence "Woodrose")
• A vigorous tropical vine reaching 10+ m in its native habitat
• Known as "Elephant Creeper" and "Woolly Morning Glory" for the hairy foliage
• Seeds contain ergine (LSA) — potentially toxic and psychoactive
• Hardy from USDA Zone 10
Taxonomy
• Known as "vidhara" or "samundrasok" in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used for centuries as a nervine tonic and anti-inflammatory agent
• The genus name Argyreia comes from the Greek "argyros" (silver), referring to the silvery-white hairs covering the leaves and stems
• The species name nervosa refers to the prominent veins (nerves) on the large leaves
• Also known as "Elephant Creeper" (the large leaves are thought to resemble elephant ears), "Woolly Morning Glory," and "Hawaiian Baby Woodrose" (the plant was introduced to Hawaii and became naturalized there)
• In the 20th century, the seeds were discovered to contain extraordinarily high concentrations of ergine (LSA) — the highest of any known plant
• This discovery led to widespread recreational use of the seeds, which has caused legal regulation in many countries
• In traditional Indian medicine, the roots and leaves (not the seeds) were the primary medicinal parts used
• The plant was introduced to Hawaii, where it has naturalized and is sometimes called "Hawaiian Baby Woodrose"
• The genus Argyreia contains approximately 90 species of tropical Asian and Australian vines
Stems: Stout, woody, covered in dense, woolly, white to tan hairs when young, becoming smoother with age. Young stems are conspicuously woolly.
Leaves: Very large, cordate-orbicular (heart-shaped to nearly round), 15–30 cm long and 12–25 cm wide, dark green above, densely covered in silvery-white, woolly hairs beneath. The prominent veins (nerves) create a quilted texture. The silver undersides are striking when the wind turns the leaves. Leaves are arranged alternately.
Flowers: Produced in showy cymes of 3–7 flowers. Individual flowers are funnel-shaped, 5–7 cm long, pinkish-purple to lavender with a darker throat, resembling large morning glory flowers. Flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon. Blooms from summer through fall in tropical conditions.
Fruit: Dry, woody, rounded capsules about 2 cm in diameter, containing 1–4 large, brown, furry seeds. The dry, brown capsules resemble miniature dried roses — hence the common name "Woodrose." Each seed is approximately 6–8 mm long and contains high concentrations of ergine (LSA).
Roots: Extensive, woody root system. In traditional medicine, the roots are the primary part used.
• Thrives in warm, humid, tropical conditions — minimum 10°C
• Naturally grows in forest clearings and along forest edges where sunlight is available
• Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils
• The large, silver-backed leaves are adapted to capture filtered light in the forest understory while the silver hairs may reflect excess light and reduce water loss
• The pinkish-purple flowers attract bees and other pollinators
• In its native India, the plant is a component of the tropical forest flora and is not invasive
• Has naturalized in Hawaii, where it grows in disturbed mesic forests
• The large, woody seed pods are distinctive and persistent on the vine
• Can be grown as an ornamental for its spectacular foliage — the silver-backed leaves are very showy
• Requires sturdy support for the massive mature vine
• Generally pest-free in good cultural conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade. Best foliage color in bright light with some afternoon shade.
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. pH 5.5–7.0.
Planting: Plant container-grown vines in spring. Provide a very sturdy, permanent support — pergola, large trellis, or allow to climb a mature tree. Space 2–3 m apart.
Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers with a trellis in warm climates. Move indoors when temperatures drop below 10°C.
Watering: Regular watering during the growing season. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to control size. Can be cut back hard if overgrown.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–12. No frost tolerance. In Zone 9, may survive with heavy mulch and a protected position.
Propagation: By seed (soak and scarify before planting), or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
Caution: Seeds contain high concentrations of LSA and can cause serious adverse effects if ingested. Keep seeds away from children and pets. Legal restrictions on seed possession exist in some countries.
Fun Fact
Woodrose seeds contain the highest concentration of ergine (LSA) of any plant on Earth — up to 10 times more than morning glory seeds. The seeds grow inside small, woody pods that look exactly like dried miniature roses, which is how the plant got its common name. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the plant has been used for centuries — but it was the roots and leaves that were used medicinally, not the powerful seeds. The "silver" in its scientific name (Argyreia) refers to the stunning silvery-white fuzz covering the undersides of the enormous leaves.
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