• Photo of Clitoria mariana (Clitoria marianas)

Plant Profile: Clitoria mariana

Taxonomy: Clitoria mariana

Names

Atlantic Pigeonwings, Butterfly Pea

  • Photo of Clitoria mariana (Clitoria marianas)

Phonetic Spelling:klih-TOH-ree-uh mar-ee-AH-nuh

Genus:Clitoria

Species:mariana

Family:Fabaceae

This charming plant, reminiscent of a delicate mouse's ear, invites you to immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of serene woodlands. With its trailing stems that rarely ascend, it remains close to the earth, allowing it to attune to the enchanting melodies of nature. Its fragile beauty brings a touch of understated elegance to any forested area. Evoking a sense of nostalgia, it beckons you to join in listening to the harmonious symphony of the natural world.

**Interesting Facts:**
This plant thrives in dry, sandy soil and prefers open spaces within pink, pine-oak, and oak-hickory forests, as well as clearings and thickets.

**Blooming Season:** May to September.

**Family:** Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

**Quick Identification Tips:**

Clitoria mariana Feature Summary

Clitoria mariana Image Gallery

Tags

#purple
#white
#blue
#lavender
#perennial
#purple flowers
#fall interest
#NC native
#vines
#summer flowers
#mouse ear
#wildflower garden
#fantz
#sandy soils tolerant
#partial shade tolerant
#woodlands

Similar Plants

Clitoria mariana is often confused with:

Clitoria mariana Feature Summary

Attributes
Eastern & South Central U.S.A. to North Eastern Mexico
Perennial
Flowers
Its bloom time is from May-September. This plant has 2-in., pale lavender-blue to violet flowers. It has a large rounded standard which is notched at the tip. The keel and white petals are short. This plant has 1-3 flowers per stalk that arise from the axils of leaves. Small bud-like flowers are produced late in the season.
Pink
Purple/Lavender
White
Blue
Spring
Summer
1-3 inches
Leaves
Stalked leaves are divided into 1-2 in. egg-shaped or lance-shaped leaflets.
1-3 inches
Whole Plant Traits
Perennial
Native Plant
Vine
Wildflower
Cultural Conditions

Clitoria mariana Attributes

Clitoria mariana: Country Or Region Of Origin

Eastern & South Central U.S.A. to North Eastern Mexico

Clitoria mariana: Life Cycle

Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody

Clitoria mariana Flowers

Clitoria mariana: Flower Description

Its bloom time is from May-September. This plant has 2-in., pale lavender-blue to violet flowers. It has a large rounded standard which is notched at the tip. The keel and white petals are short. This plant has 1-3 flowers per stalk that arise from the axils of leaves. Small bud-like flowers are produced late in the season.

Clitoria mariana: Flower Color

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Blue
filter_vintage
Pink
filter_vintage
Purple/Lavender
filter_vintage
White

Clitoria mariana: Flower Bloom Time

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Clitoria mariana: Flower Size

1-3 inches
3-6 inches
< 1 inch
> 6 inches

Clitoria mariana Leaves

Clitoria mariana: Leaf Description

Stalked leaves are divided into 1-2 in. egg-shaped or lance-shaped leaflets.

Clitoria mariana: Leaf Color

spa
Green

Clitoria mariana: Hairs Present

No
Yes

Clitoria mariana: Leaf Length

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches

Clitoria mariana Whole Plant Traits

Clitoria mariana: Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Clitoria mariana Cultural Conditions

Clitoria mariana: Soil Texture

Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Shallow Rocky

Clitoria mariana Stem

Clitoria mariana: Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes

Clitoria mariana Landscape

Clitoria mariana: Resistance To Challenges

Black Walnut
Compaction
Deer
Diseases
Drought
Dry Soil
Erosion
Fire
Foot Traffic
Heat
Heavy Shade
Humidity
Insect Pests
Pollution
Poor Soil
Rabbits
Salt
Slugs
Squirrels
Storm damage
Urban Conditions
Voles
Wet Soil
Wind

Clitoria mariana: Landscape Location

Coastal
Container
Hanging Baskets
Houseplants
Lawn
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Near Septic
Patio
Pond
Pool/Hardscape
Recreational Play Area
Riparian
Rock Wall
Slope/Bank
Small Space
Vertical Spaces
Walkways
Woodland