Hard to find seeds! Butterfly Pea is a perennial vining pea native to dry, sandy woodlands from Texas to East US. The attractive flowers are large, pink to purple or blue and attract small pollinators and butterflies. Although pollinated primarily by bees, it serves as a host for the Northern cloudywing and the Long-tailed skipper butterflies. Its high protein and mineral content make it a good forage crop for livestock.
Butterfly Pea grows by either trailing along the ground or twining around vertical structures. If grown without supports, it will sprawl over the ground as an effective ground cover. The plant's extensive root system makes it useful for stabilizing soils. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria that form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant, but some is also used by other plants growing nearby.
Mature size: Vining stems can reach up to 6' long; low and sprawling if left to trail
Growth habit: Twining/climbing vine or trailing groundcover; no tendrils
Flowers: 1.5" pea-like blooms, blue-violet to lavender with a white center, borne singly or in clusters of 2–4
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Drought tolerant once established; adaptable to dry or moist soil
Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor, nutrient-lean sites; mildly acid to mildly alkaline
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5b–9b; deciduous, dying back in winter in cooler zones
Maintenance: Low — let it climb a trellis or fence, or allow it to trail as a natural-looking cover
Germination: Scarify seeds lightly and soak around 12 hours. Sow after last frost in warm soil in a humid environment, moderate light, maintain moisture.
