Pigeonwings (Clitoria mariana)

Two related species of the family Fabeaceae - Centrosema virginianum (Spurred Butterfly Pea) and Clitoria mariana (Pigeonwings) – are very similar in overall size and appearance. Upon closer inspection they differ in color and detailed appearance. It’s easy to confuse them at a casual glance

Clitoria mariana is known by the common names Pigeonwings, Atlantic Pigeonwings, and Butterfly Pea. This also is a vine that climbs trees and trails across the ground. At Fort Yargo State Park it grows at fewer places around the lake than Centrosema virginianum. It can been seen along the trail from the campground to the dam (segment 6), south of the Fishing Area (segment 13), and just east of the swimming beach (segment 14). It doesn’t grow as luxuriantly as Centrosema virginianum.

A vine with flower hanging from the bank along the trail from the campground south to the dam (segment 6).

A small plant with flower growing along the trail south of the Fishing Area (segment 13).

A single flower with bud.

A pair of flowers.

Clitoria mariana (Atlantic pigeonwings) is native to the eastern United States.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Clitoria mariana (Atlantic pigeonwings)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Clitoria mariana

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Pigeonwings (Clitoria mariana)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Clitoria mariana (Butterfly Pea)
- Missouri Plants: Clitoria mariana

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index
- Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum)