An exotic flowering vine native to southern Missouri. Climbs by tendrils. The intricately fringed flowers, produced from mid summer to early fall are purplish blue with pink and white parts. Each flower is up to three inches across. The leaves are dark green and deeply lobed. The fruit is egg-shaped, up to 2″ long, yellow when ripe, and is edible, having a sweet pulp similar to citrus. Edible and medicinal. Host plant for butterfly larvae, including those of the Varietgated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia). Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Passion Flower
Passiflora incarnata
Plant Type: Vines
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Lavender, Purple, White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
12 to
20
feet
Spread:
12 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
20
feet
Spread: 12 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
20
feet
Spread: 12 to
20
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Will sprawl and climb through other plants to add interesting effects.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Can grow in extremely poor soil, in rich soil it will grow rampantly! Extremely adaptable, prefers sun.
Special Features
Special Usage
Containers, Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.