Butterfly Pea Centrosema virginianum

Butterfly Pea is an herbaceous perennial vine with a wide native range, growing from the tropical and subtropical Americas up to the Eastern United States. In its natural state, it is often found in the dry, sandy soils of woodlands.  In North Carolina, it can be found in pine forests and coastal uplands. Butterfly Pea grows by either trailing along the ground or twining around vertical structures. If grown without supports, it will sprawl over the ground as an effective ground cover. The plant's extensive root system makes it useful for stabilizing soils. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria that form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant, but some is also used by other plants growing nearby.

Butterfly Pea has butterfly shaped violet flowers, single or in clusters of 2 to 4 in the axil of compound leaves. The flowers of this delicate showy vine are recognized by their "upside-down" position.  This plant blooms daily during the flowering season, however, the flowers are short-lived, only lasting half a day.  

Having no tendrils, it climbs by twining around structures.  If no structures are present, it will spread over the ground as a ground cover.  Its root system is extensive, thereby making it useful as a form of erosion control or to stabilize the soil.  

Butterfly Pea prefers well-drained dry or moist soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soils and sandy soils. It does well in mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline PH and tolerates very acid soils. It prefers full sun and tolerates partial shade, but cannot grow in the deep shade, and can tolerate drought.

Although pollinated primarily by bees, it serves as a host for the Northern cloudywing and the Long-tailed skipper butterflies.  Its high protein and mineral content make it a good forage crop for livestock.  

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.