SPURRED BUTTERFLY PEA – AN ATTRACTIVE WILDLIFE FOOD SOURCE
backyardwildlifeconnection by Terry W.Johnson
Whenever I discover a new native plant or animal in my yard it is a great day. My latest discovery took place this morning when I stumbled across a new native plant growing on my property within minutes of the time I set foot outside. As I began my daily walk around my yard, I spotted a handful of attractive lavender blossoms blooming inches above the ground. As it turned out, I had found a couple of native perennial vines that had just begun flowering. This plant is the spurred butterfly pea (Centrosema virginianum).
Spurred butterfly pea vines attain a length only seven feet or so. A single plant will only spread over an area measuring one to three feet in diameter. My two plants cover far less of the dry, clay hillside where they are rooted.
Although the plant is much smaller than many wildlife food plants, it provides food for a wide range of wildlife. Two species of butterflies (northern cloudywing and long-tailed skipper) use it as a host plant. Its foliage is consumed by white-tailed deer and other herbivores. Even gopher tortoises will devour the plant’s leaves. The butterfly pea’s seeds are eaten by songbirds, and quail. While such uses are important, is perhaps more valuable as a food source for many native bees and other pollinators.
Since this fascinating native plant is a source of wildlife food and is also attractive, you should consider adding it to the list of the native plants growing in your yard.
