NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Centrosema virginianum

Scientific Name:	Centrosema virginianum
Genus:	Centrosema
Species Epithet:	virginianum
Common Name:	Spurred Butterfly Pea
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Family	Fabaceae (Legume Family)
Native/Alien:	NC Native
Size:	3-6 ft., 6-12 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	Blue, Purple, Violet
Light:	Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Dry
Bloom Time:	June, July, August
Growing Area:	Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Habitat Description:	Dry woodlands and openings.
Leaf Arrangement:	Alternate
Leaf Retention:	Deciduous
Leaf Type:	Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	Compound
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Wildlife Value:	Has some wildlife value
Landscape Value:	Not Recommended for home landscapes
State Rank:	S5: Secure ^(*Key)
Global Rank:	G5 - Secure ^(*Key)
Notes:	Attracts butterflies
Spurred Butterfly Pea at the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill This is an adaptable plant with 1.5" flowers, a great addition to a pollinator garden. Paynter, August 2012, Chapel Hill
Flower Note the flat shape of the flower. The flower is similar to that of Clitoria mariana, Butterfly-pea, which differs in having a pronounced scooped shape for its largest petal (the standard or banner).
Side view of flower The sepals, looking here like narrow leaves pressed against the flower, are very long. In Clitoria mariana, the Butterfly-pea, they are much shorter.
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record