By Laurel Babcock, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County
There are many fascinating aspects of Passiflora incarnata, from its botanical characteristics, its benefit to wildlife and its applications in natural health. (Image credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region CC BY 2.0; Debbie Roos CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Botanical Overview
Passiflora incarnata is part of the Passifloraceae family, which encompasses about 500 species of passion flowers. It is native to all of the southeast from Delaware and eastern Kansas south to southern Florida and central Texas. In North Carolina, it is readily found in every county but is uncommon in the northern mountains and far eastern counties, such as along the outer banks.
The plant is a vigorous, fast-growing vine that can reach up to 20 feet in length, making it an excellent candidate for ground cover or trellises in gardens. It does have a tendency to spread which might not be an issue for some gardeners, but those who, like me, like a lazy garden may find it creeping into nearby beds.
Hearing this led me to plant it in a large pot on my back deck where it can climb up the railing and onto the string lights. From there I can easily appreciate the remarkable flowers, the grasping tendrils, the pollinators that gather its nectar and the butterflies and moths that use it as a host plant.
Each flower features a unique structure with five petal-like sepals, a corona of filaments arranged in multiple circles, and a central cluster of stamens. The intricate design of the flower, with its vibrant purples, pinks, blues, and whites, not only catches the eye but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Flowers bloom in summer and smell like honey. Fleshy, egg-shaped, edible fruits called maypops appear in July and mature to a yellowish color in fall. Ripened maypops can be eaten fresh off the vine or made into jelly. Maypop is also a common name for this vine. Maypop refers to the loud popping sound that is made when fruits are stepped on.
Passiflora incarnata is a host plant for the gulf fritillary and variegated fritillary butterflies and the subterranean dart, plebeian sphinx, and Smith’s dart moths.
Fritillaria caterpillars and butterflies are frequent visitors to Passiflora incarnata. (Image credit: Jimmy Smith CC BY-NC-ND4; and Sarah CCBY-SA 4.0)
Medicinal Uses
Passiflora incarnata has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Indigenous peoples of the Americas used various parts of the plant for its calming and sedative effects. The plant’s use in herbal medicine was later adopted by European settlers, who valued it for its purported therapeutic properties.
Passiflora incarnata is perhaps best known for its applications in natural medicine. Its most common use is as a mild sedative and anxiolytic, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. The plant contains a variety of active compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which are thought to contribute to its calming effects.
Culinary Uses
When consuming parts of this plant, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s a good idea to start with small amounts to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.
Fruit (Maypop)
The fruit of Passiflora incarnata is the most commonly consumed part. It is green and round when unripe, turning yellow or orange as it ripens. The fruit has a unique flavor, often described as a cross between citrus and pineapple. Inside, it contains a jelly-like pulp with seeds that can be eaten directly or used in juices, smoothies, and desserts.
Leaves
While not commonly eaten raw due to their bitter taste, the leaves of Passiflora incarnata can be used to make herbal teas. They are known for their calming effects and are used in traditional medicine for their potential sedative properties.
The fruit of Passiflora incarnata is often referred to as a maypop. The palmasect leaves are lobed and grow in an alternate pattern. (Image credit: John Brandauer CC BY-NC-ND 4.0; Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA-4.0)
Flowers
The flowers of the passion flower are edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are often used decoratively due to their striking appearance.
Seeds
The seeds inside the fruit are edible. They have a crunchy texture and can be eaten along with the pulp or used in various recipes.
Cultivation and Care
Cultivating Passiflora incarnata can be a rewarding experience for gardeners. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, making it suitable for many temperate climates.
Planting
Passion flowers can be grown from seeds or cuttings. They prefer a warm, sunny location but can tolerate some shade. The plant benefits from a trellis or support structure to climb and spread.
Care
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Pests and Diseases
Passion flowers are relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally suffer from issues like aphids or spider mites. Diseases such as powdery mildew can also affect the plant, so ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent these problems.
Passiflora incarnata is more than just a visually stunning plant. Its rich history, symbolic significance, and potential health benefits make it a noteworthy addition to both gardens and herbal medicine cabinets. Whether you’re drawn to its beauty, intrigued by its medicinal properties, or simply looking for an interesting plant to grow, the passionflower is sure to captivate and inspire. Its unique blend of aesthetic appeal and practical uses ensures that it remains a beloved and intriguing species in the botanical world.
Additional Resource
Missouri Botanical Garden: Passiflora Incarnata
Shortlink: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6X3
Editor: Martha Keehner Engelke