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Bloodworth, Stefan

Clitoria mariana

Clitoria mariana L.

Atlantic Pigeonwings, Butterfly Pea

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s): Martiusia mariana

USDA Symbol: clma4

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Twining vine, occasionally erect, with large, showy, lavender-pink, pea-like flowers, usually solitary but occasionally up to 3, in the axils of compound leaves.

This plant is often confused with Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum), which has upside-down flowers, the banner pointing downward, while that of Clitoria stands erect.

From the Image Gallery

7 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Vine
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: 3-4'

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Blue
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , AZ , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
Native Distribution: New York south to Florida; west to Texas and beyond; north to Missouri and Iowa.
Native Habitat: Dry soil, open woods, and thickets.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy

Benefit

Attracts: Birds

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FACU		FACU		FACU	FACU		FACU	FACU	FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX

Additional resources

USDA: Find Clitoria mariana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Clitoria mariana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Clitoria mariana

Metadata

Record Modified: 2013-10-30
Research By: TWC Staff

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