Atlantic Pigeonwings

Clitoria mariana

Native to:
Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Thailand, United States, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Clitoria
Species:
Clitoria mariana
USDA Symbol:
CLMA4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
lavender, blue, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Triclonella pergandeella, Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rootstock following fire. Associated with fire-maintained pine savannas and open woodlands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations in native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds may be soaked in hot water or mechanically scarified before sowing.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI