Butterfly Tree
Bauhinia purpurea
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Bauhinia
- Species:
- Bauhinia purpurea
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 12-20 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jan, feb, jun, jul, aug, nov, dec
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
Native Range
United States: Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Caribbean pod borer (Fundella pellucens)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies: (Pieris rapae), (Pieris rapae), Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris), Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris), Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Pterourus glaucus), Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Pterourus glaucus), Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis), ⚠️Monarch (Danaus plexippus), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), Red-spotted Admiral (Limenitis arthemis), Red-spotted Admiral (Limenitis arthemis), Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta), Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate