How much sun does Spurred Butterfly Pea need?

Spurred Butterfly Pea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Spurred Butterfly Pea bloom?

Spurred Butterfly Pea blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Spurred Butterfly Pea native?

Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Spurred Butterfly Pea attract?

Spurred Butterfly Pea draws butterflies and nectar insects.

Is Spurred Butterfly Pea HOA-friendly?

Spurred 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.

Spurred Butterfly Pea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Centrosema virginianum

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

120"–144" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, nectar insects

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 411 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 Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Spurred Butterfly Pea is a native Texas vine that produces small purple flowers with distinctive spurs from spring through fall. This climbing perennial needs support structures and can reach 10-12 feet tall while staying relatively narrow.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires support structure
Can appear messy

Wildlife value

The purple blooms attract butterflies and other nectar-seeking insects throughout its extended blooming season. This native vine provides important pollinator habitat from March through November.

Common questions

How much sun does Spurred Butterfly Pea need?: Spurred Butterfly Pea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Spurred Butterfly Pea bloom?: Spurred Butterfly Pea blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Spurred Butterfly Pea native?: Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Spurred Butterfly Pea attract?: Spurred Butterfly Pea draws butterflies and nectar insects.
Is Spurred Butterfly Pea HOA-friendly?: Spurred 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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