Atlantic pigeon wings (Clitoria mariana) is a plant with purple blooms that look kind of like mouse ears. Another name for it is butterfly pea. And, in fact, it attracts butterflies in droves. Butterfly larvae also feast on Atlantic pigeon wings, including those of the hoary edge, cloudywing, and long-tailed skipper varieties.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Clitoria mariana, known by the common names butterfly pea and Atlantic pigeon wings, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the pea family, Fabaceae.
The plant is native to the eastern, southern, and central United States west to New Mexico and Arizona. It is also found in Asia, in: Bhutan, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China (Guangxi, Yunnan).
In the United States it has been recorded in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Clitoria mariana is a small perennial vine boasting showy lavender-pink pea-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), with a white central spot. Blooming in early to late summer, the attractive blossoms are borne singly or in clusters of 3 in the leaf axils. Rarely twining near the tips, the erect to ascending or trailing stems are clad with alternately arranged leaves composed of 3 lance-shaped leaflets. The blossoms give way to flattened legumes with two valves that twist upon dehiscence.
Atlantic Pigeon Wings is a short twining vine that can be allowed to sprawl over the ground as an effective ground cover. It can also twine around vertical structures. Its delicate beauty will also add a subtle charm into the woodland garden.
Easy to grow, it occurs naturally in sandhills, scrub oak woods, dry pine or pine/hardwood forests, and on roadside banks. Clitoria mariana closely resembles Centrosema virginianum (Spurred Butterfly Pea), which has upside-down flowers, the banner pointing downward, while that of Clitoria stands erect.
It is a larval host to the long-tailed skipper.
Atlantic pigeon wings is listed as an endangered species by the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The range of Clitoria mariana also includes parts of India, Bhutan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Chinese provinces of Guangxi, and Yunnan. In Virginia, it grows in habitats such as dry open forests, shale barrens, and rocky or sandy woodlands. The presence of this species is dependent on appropriate habitat, and it may be eliminated from an area by development, changes in land use, or competition with invasive species.
II. How to Grow and Care
Atlantic pigeon wings is a resilient, flowering vine known for its minimal maintenance requirements. Key care needs include full to partial sun exposure and well-draining soil, ensuring that the plant receives enough light for blooming without waterlogged roots. Special care points for Atlantic pigeon wings involve protection from frost and managing its growth habit, as it has the potential to spread; thus, occasional pruning may be beneficial to maintain shape and promote denser foliage.
Sunlight
Atlantic pigeon wings thrive best in full sun exposure, enjoying plentiful and direct sunlight to support robust growth and healthy flowering. Its resilience, however, extends to tolerating partial shade, though with potentially reduced vigor and fewer blooms. Adaptive in nature, Atlantic pigeon wings can modulate leaf orientation to maximize light absorption in suboptimal conditions. Ideally planted outdoors, Atlantic pigeon wings should be positioned to bask in unfiltered light for the majority of the day, ensuring a sunny spot in the garden to promote its floriferous character.
Watering
Originating from regions with moderate rainfall, Atlantic pigeon wings has adapted to thrive in environments where water is regularly available. This species exhibits a preference for consistent moisture levels and displays an intermediate tolerance to drought. It should be watered every week to maintain its hydration needs. Given that Atlantic pigeon wings are often cultivated outdoors, it’s important to consider how natural precipitation contributes to its watering schedule, especially during the growing season when its water requirements peak.
Soil
Atlantic pigeon wings perform best in sandy, dry to moist, well-drained soils.
Fertilizing
Fertilize atlantic pigeon wings bi-weekly during growth with balanced nutrition fertilizers (e.g., 10-10-10). Proper fertilization enhances flowering and vigor. Abide by recommended doses to avoid nutrient burn and decrease frequency in dormancy. Seasonally adjust application; spring onset intensifies needs. For safety, don gloves and apply during cool hours. Ideal for all gardening levels, adherence promotes atlantic pigeon wings’s thriving.
Propagation
Atlantic pigeon wings is a flowering species usually propagated through sowing. To effectively grow atlantic pigeon wings, it is recommended to use well-drained soil, ensuring the medium is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Prior to planting, scarify the seeds by gently nicking the seed coat to enhance germination rates. Plant the seeds at a shallow depth, as excessive covering may inhibit sprouting. It is important to provide atlantic pigeon wings with ample sunlight and protection from harsh conditions during the initial growth phases for optimal development.
Transplanting
The rejuvenating embrace of mid-to-late spring offers the optimal time for transplanting atlantic pigeon wings, with nature’s gentle wake ensuring success. Choose sun-kissed spots with well-draining soil, and ensure atlantic pigeon wings’s roots plenty of space to flourish.
