Centrosema virginianum, Spurred Butterfly Pea

Centrosema virginianum is virtually unknown in gardens despite being native from Illinois south to Florida and west to Texas. Our offering is a FL ecotype seed strain. The deciduous pea relative is a 6' tall, twining vine clothed with dark green trifoliate leaves and adorned all summer long with an endless array of Clitoria-like lavender-blue flowers. It will intertwine and climb nearby plants or trail along the ground, rooting along it's length.

It thrives in full sun and is okay with light shade. In the wild, Centrosema is often found on well-drained sandy soils, but the addition of compost really makes it explode. Butterflies love Centrosema, including long-tailed skippers and northern cloudywings.