Centrosema virginianum
| Centrosema virginianum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 7' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Centrosema virginianum (common name: butterfly pea)
Propagation: Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow in a greenhouse in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant out in the summer.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any sandy or loamy soil in a sunny position[1]. Tolerant of poor acid soils, dry soils and drought[1].
A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants[1].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1].
Range: South-eastern N. America, as far north as New Jersey, southwards into the Tropics.
Habitat: Dry sandy soils in woodlands[1].
Usage: The plant can be allowed to grow without supports and it will then sprawl over the ground as an effective ground cover[1].
Plants have been grown as a green manure[1].
The plants extensive root system makes it useful for stabilizing soils and controlling erosion[1].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References