Centrosema virginianum
butterfly pea
Overview
Centrosema virginianum is a slender, twining perennial vine of the pea family, climbing or trailing 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) over nearby plants and ground. The leaves are divided into three narrow, leathery leaflets 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long on wiry stems. From early summer into fall it carries pea-like flowers about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, pale violet to lavender-blue with a broad, pale-centered standard petal; the flowers are held with the large petal lowermost, appearing upside down. A short spur projects behind each flower. Pollinated flowers form flat, narrow pods 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) long that split to fling out the seeds. Native to dry sandy woods, pine flatwoods, clearings, and roadsides of the southeastern and south-central United States, it grows in full sun to part shade on poor, well-drained soil. As a legume it fixes nitrogen through root bacteria and tolerates infertile sandy ground. Hardy in USDA zones 6-10, it dies back in winter in the cooler part of its range and resprouts from the root. The twining stems are thin and climb through low plants or a small support. The flowers draw bees and other pollinators, and it serves as a larval host for several skipper butterflies.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern and south-central United States, from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Texas, extending into tropical America. It grows in dry sandy woods, pine flatwoods, clearings, and along roadsides.Suggested Uses
Used in native and pollinator gardens, on low trellises and fences, and in sandy meadow or restoration plantings, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Suited to dry, sunny, sandy sites and as a small-scale climber or groundcover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale violet to lavender-blueFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to part shade on poor, sandy, well-drained soil; the vine tolerates drought and low fertility once established. As a nitrogen-fixing legume it needs no feeding and declines with rich soil or excess water. The thin stems twine through low plants, a trellis, or brush for support. Hardy in USDA zones 6-10, it dies back in winter in cooler areas and returns from the root. Cut back spent growth in late fall or early spring.Pruning
Cut back spent or frost-killed stems in late fall or early spring. The vine tolerates being cut to the ground and resprouts from the root. Trimming wandering stems keeps it within bounds.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons