Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Butterfly Pea

Clitoria mariana
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Blue, Lavender, White
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

12 to
36
inches

Spread:

6 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
36
inches
Spread: 6 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
36
inches
Spread: 6 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
A true conversation piece plant as it appears to be a vine and doesn't get 'out of hand' with it's twining capabilities.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers well-drained shady or sunny areas.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description

A low, smooth, almost shrublike plant with twisting stems that do not climb. Leaves are compound with 3 leaflets and usually dark green. Beautiful pea-like flowers up to 2 inches long of pale blue-lilac with darker veining are produced from May-September.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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