Texas
Wildbuds

Centrosema virginianum

(Butterfly Pea)

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Centrosema virginianum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 8668

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Centrosema virginianum, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3053

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Centrosema virginianum, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3122

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Centrosema virginianum, Lake Somerville State Park, Lee Co. 2764

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Centrosema virginianum, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3057

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Centrosema virginianum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 8768

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Centrosema virginianum, Lake Somerville State Park, Lee Co. 2765

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Centrosema virginianum, Tendril, Lake Somerville State Park, Lee Co. 2780

Scientific Name Centrosema virginianum USDA PLANTS Symbol CENI2
Common Name Butterfly Pea ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 25778
Family Fabaceae (Pea) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Habitat: Sandy, dry soils; woodland openings and edges.
Plant: Sprawling, trailing, twining perennial vine with stem up to 40 inches long.
Leaves: Alternate compound leaves divided into 3 oblong, elliptic to ovate leaflets, each to 2-1/2 inches long.
Inflorescence: Clusters of 1 to 4 violet blossoms hanging upside-down from a leaf axil in a short-peduncled raceme, each about 1 inch across; 5-petals, large (up to 1-1/2 inch) rounded banner with a notch in the middle; keel and lateral petals much smaller.
Bloom Period: April to September.
References: "Wildflowers Texas" by Geyata Ajilvsgi and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Texas Status:
Native

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2024