Butterfly Pea, Spurred butterfly pea
Centrosema virginianum
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Centrosema virginianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Dry sandy soils in woodlands.
South-eastern N. America, as far north as New Jersey, southwards into the Tropics.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
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Medicine
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Other
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The plant can be allowed to grow without supports and it will then sprawl over the ground as an effective ground cover. Plants have been grown as a green manure. The plants extensive root system makes it useful for stabilizing soils and controlling erosion.
Green manure: Fast-growing plants that can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Succeeds in any sandy or loamy soil in a sunny position. Tolerant of poor acid soils, dry soils and drought. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow in a greenhouse in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist