Longleaf Cowpea
Vigna longifolia
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela
iNaturalist: © guillaume_leotard (iNaturalist #203837908)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Vigna
- Species:
- Vigna longifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- VILO6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break hard seed coat.