Monthly Archives: October 2013

Wildflower Identification: Clitoria Mariana vs Centrosema virginianum

Outside of a very few states, Clitoria mariana (Butterfly Pea) and Centrosema virginianum (Spurred Butterfly Pea) are the only species in their respective genera most of in the United States.  The Clitoria and Centrosema genera share a characteristic that is rare in Fabaceae – a twist in the pedicel turns the flower “upside down” – the largest petal – the “standard” is below the other petals (keel and wings) rather than above them as is the case with the rest of the family.  These two species appear quite similar, so any confusion in the U.S. with identification is usually between these two species.  There are a couple of key characteristics that can help.

Butterfly Pea – Clitoria mariana or Centrosema virginianum?

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Butterfly Pea – Clitoria mariana – Photos and Information Updated on USWildflowers.com

The Butterfly Pea detail page has been revised with additional photos and information (08/30/2013.)  The scientific name of this native species is Clitoria mariana. Photo below was taken in Grundy County, TN on July 12, 2007.  This species was originally added to the USWildflowers database in 2009.

Butterfly Pea, Atlantic pigeonwings - Clitoria mariana

Butterfly Pea – Clitoria mariana

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Spurred Butterfly Pea – Centrosema virginianum – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Spurred Butterfly Pea, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (10/29/2013.) Scientific name is Centrosema virginianum. Photo below was taken at Camp Vesper Point in Hamilton County, TN on August 17, 2013.  Go to the Spurred Butterfly Pea detail page for more photos and information.

Spurred Butterfly Pea, Climbing Butterfly Pea, Wild Blue Vine, Virginia Centro, Butterflypea - Centrosema virginianum

Spurred Butterfly Pea – Centrosema virginianum

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#NPOD: Zigzag Goldenrod #NativePlants

Native Plant of the Day 10/29/2013

Photo from Nov 2010. Location: The Pocket, Walker County, GA

Zigzag Goldenrod – for more photos / information go to the Solidago flexicaulis detail page.

Zigzag Goldenrod, Broadleaf Goldenrod - Solidago flexicaulis

Zigzag Goldenrod, Broadleaf Goldenrod – Solidago flexicaulis by USWildflowers, on Flickr

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Rattlesnake Master – Eryngium yuccifolium – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Rattlesnake Master, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (10/28/2013.) Scientific name is Eryngium yuccifolium. Photo below was taken along Ascalon Road, Walker County, GA on August 4, 2013.  Go to the Rattlesnake Master detail page for more photos and information.

Rattlesnake Master, Button Eryngo, Button Snakeroot, Yuccaleaf Eryngo - Eryngium yuccifolium

Rattlesnake Master – Eryngium yuccifolium

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Goatsbeard – Aruncus dioicus – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Goatsbeard, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (10/22/2013.) Scientific name is Aruncus dioicus.  Also known as Eastern Goatsbeard, and Bride’s Feathers.  Photo below was taken along Ascalon Road, Walker County, GA on June 7, 2013.  Go to the Goatsbeard detail page for more photos and information.

Goatsbeard, Eastern Goatsbeard, Bride’s Feathers - Aruncus dioicus

Goatsbeard – Aruncus dioicus

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American Bluehearts – Buchnera americana – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

American Bluehearts, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (10/21/2013.) Scientific name is Buchnera americana. Photo below was taken along Ascalon Road, Walker County, GA on Aug 4, 2013.  Go to the American Bluehearts detail page for more photos and information.

Blue Hearts, American Bluehearts, Prairie Bluehearts, Plains Bluehearts - Buchnera americana

American Bluehearts – Buchnera americana

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#NPOD: Idaho Trillium #Nativeplants

Native Plant of the Day 10/21/2013

Photo from 6/18/2011. Location: Payette National Forest, Adams County, ID

Idaho Trillium – for more photos / info go to the  Trillium petiolatum detail page.

Idaho Trillium, Long-petioled Trillium, Purple Trillium, Round Leaf Trillium, Purple Wakerobin - Trillium petiolatum

Idaho Trillium, Long-petioled Trillium, Purple Trillium, Round Leaf Trillium, Purple Wakerobin – Trillium petiolatum

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Mountain Bluet – Houstonia serpyllifolia – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Mountain Bluet, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (10/13/2013.) Scientific name is Houstonia serpyllifolia. Photo below was taken near Clingman’s Dome, GSMNP, Swain County, NC on Sep 23, 2013.  Go to the Mountain Bluet detail page for more photos and information.

Creeping Bluet, Mountain Bluet, Thymeleaf Bluet, Appalachian Bluet, Michaux’s Bluets - Houstonia serpyllifolia

Mountain Bluet – Houstonia serpyllifolia

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Mapleleaf Alumroot – Heuchera villosa – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Mapleleaf Alumroot, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (10/13/2013.) Scientific name is Heuchera villosa.  Photo below was taken along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, GSMNP, Sevier County, TN on Sep 22, 2013.  Go to the Mapleleaf Alumroot detail page for more photos and information.

Mapleleaf Alumroot, Hairy Alum Root, Rough Heuchera - Heuchera villosa

Mapleleaf Alumroot – Heuchera villosa

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