Butterfly-pea
Clitoria mariana
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Butterfly-pea fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.