How much sun does Butterfly-pea need?

Butterfly-pea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Butterfly-pea bloom?

Butterfly-pea blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Butterfly-pea native?

Butterfly-pea (Clitoria mariana) is native to AL, AR, AZ, DE and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Butterfly-pea attract?

Butterfly-pea draws bees and butterflies.

Is Butterfly-pea HOA-friendly?

Butterfly-pea takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Butterfly-pea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Clitoria mariana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Butterfly-pea (Clitoria mariana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–120" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, DE and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Butterfly-pea is a native climbing vine that produces attractive blue to purple flowers throughout summer. It can grow quite tall and will climb on fences, trellises, or other support structures, making it useful for vertical gardening spaces.

In an HOA neighborhood

Butterfly-pea takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Vine growth habit may appear uncontrolled without proper support
Can look sparse or weedy when not in bloom
May be viewed as too informal for front yard landscapes

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies during the long summer blooming period. This native legume also fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving growing conditions for nearby plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Butterfly-pea need?: Butterfly-pea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Butterfly-pea bloom?: Butterfly-pea blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Butterfly-pea native?: Butterfly-pea (Clitoria mariana) is native to AL, AR, AZ, DE and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Butterfly-pea attract?: Butterfly-pea draws bees and butterflies.
Is Butterfly-pea HOA-friendly?: Butterfly-pea takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Butterfly-pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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