Centrosema virginianum (Spurred Butterfly Pea)

Centrosema virginianum (Spurred Butterfly Pea) is a small perennial vine boasting showy pale blue-violet to lavender pea-like flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), with a white central spot. Blooming in mid to late summer, the attractive blossoms are borne singly or in clusters of 2-4 in the leaf axils. The blooms are inverted (upside down) and last only half a day, but they typically bloom daily during the flowering season. The flowers are pollinated primarily by bees, but Spurred Butterfly Pea is the larval host for Northern cloudywing and Long-tailed skipper butterflies. The leaves are alternately arranged and comprised of 3 leaflets. The thin and delicate stems have no tendrils. Spurred Butterfly Pea can be allowed to sprawl over the ground as an effective ground cover. It can also twine around vertical structures. Its extensive root system makes it useful for stabilizing soils and controlling erosion. Easy to grow, it is found in a wide variety of habits in nature. Adaptable, it is suitable for butterfly gardens as well as naturalistic landscapes and restorations. High in protein and mineral content, it is considered a good quality forage for livestock.

• Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm).
• Loves full sun or light shade in sandy or loamy, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. This plant can grow in very acid soils.
• No serious disease or pest issues.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to tropical and subtropical Americas and the southeast United States, north up to Illinois and New Jersey, along the east coast and south to Florida, and west to Texas and Oklahoma. It is also native to Puerto Rico as well as the Virgin Islands.