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spurred butterfly pea
Scientific Name: Centrosema virginianum
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: NJ (spurred butterfly-pea)
Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum)
The Spurred Butterfly Pea, scientifically known as Centrosema virginianum, is a trailing or climbing vine admired for its beautiful lavender or pink pea-like flowers.
Common Names
- Butterfly Pea
- Spurred Butterfly Pea
- Climbing Butterfly Pea
- Wild Blue Vine
- Virginia Centro
- Butterflypea
- Wild Pea
- Blue Bell
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Centrosema virginianum (L.) Benth.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family) or Leguminosae
- Synonyms:
- Bradburya virginiana
- Centrosema virginianum var. ellipticum
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southeastern United States, including most of Florida.
- Found throughout most of South America, extending to Uruguay.
- Prefers dry, sandy soils.
- Common in pinelands and coastal uplands.
- Found in various upland habitats statewide in Florida.
- Observed in open woods and along roadsides.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Trailing or climbing vine, typically 6 to 12 feet long.
- Flowers are lavender or pink, pea-like, and appear in July and August.
- Alternate leaves composed of three leaflets.
- Flowers are purple, flattened pea flowers (3/4 - 1 1/2") with a small spur at the base, single or in small clusters.
Ecological Role
- Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations.
- Suitable for wildflower and butterfly gardens.
Further Information
- USF Herbarium Specimen Database
- NATL plants: http://natl.ifas.ufl.edu/biota/plants.php
- Discover Life: Information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution.
- Wikimedia Commons