native plants – Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County

By Laurel Babcock, NC State Extension Master Gardener^SMvolunteer of Durham County

A close-up of vibrant purple passion flowers surrounded by green leaves and a blurred natural background.

Close-up of a purple passionflower with intricate petals and a yellow center against a green background.

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.

A close-up of a butterfly with orange and black patterned wings resting on colorful flowers, surrounded by green foliage.

A close-up of a colorful caterpillar with orange and black markings resting on a green leaf.

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.

Close-up of green leaves climbing along a support structure, set against a red background.

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

Passiflora incarnata (Apricot Vine, Maypop, Passionflower, Passion Flower, Passion Vine) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Missouri Botanical Garden: Passiflora Incarnata

Shortlink: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6X3

Editor: Martha Keehner Engelke

By Laurel Babcock, NC State Extension Master Gardener^SMvolunteer of Durham County

This is the first installment in our new ongoing series, Native Notes, where we’ll explore native plants that support sustainability and biodiversity, strengthen local ecosystems, thrive naturally in our region, and—did we mention—are absolutely beautiful.

A Climbing Aster vine in full bloom, with multiple pale purple star-like blossoms with a central yellow to brown disc and delicate grey-green leaves.

Climbing aster (Ampelaster caroliniana) in bloom. This plant offers both lovely fall blooms and essential wildlife shelter and support. (Image credit: Laurel Babcock)

In the fall a few years back, I gave my friend and fellow Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteer Lissa Lutz a tour of my garden. As she entered the backyard she pointed to my fence and exclaimed, “What is that??!! It’s stunning! I need one!!” She was talking about the native climbing aster I had growing up a tall deer fence at the edge of my property. Among all the diverse plants in my yard, come fall, the climbing aster stands out as a gem in the garden.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Climbing aster or Ampelaster caroliniana belongs to the Asteraceae family, a group that includes a wide variety of flowering plants, many of which are commonly known as daisies, asters, or sunflowers. The genus name Ampelaster is derived from the Greek words “ampelos” (meaning vine) and “aster” (meaning star), which likely refers to the plants star-shaped flowers and its climbing, vine-like growth habit. The species name caroliniana indicates the plant’s geographic origins, as it is primarily found in the southeastern coastal plain, especially in areas like the Carolinas, Georgia, and surrounding regions. It was previously known as Aster carolinianus or Symphyotrichum carolinianum.

Appearance

Climbing aster is a herbaceous perennial that grows primarily as a dense deciduous vine reaching anywhere from 5 to 10 or more feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. The plant’s leaves are grey-green, simple, alternate and ovate, giving it a delicate and intricate look.

Map from FloraQuest app illustrating the distribution of Climbing Aster through the United States.

This map shows in its shaded areas the distribution of climbing aster throughout the Southeastern United States. (Image credit: North Carolina Botanic Garden’s Flora of the Southeastern United States map)

Habitat and Distribution

One of the most striking features of Ampelaster caroliniana is its flowers. The plant produces thousands of small, star-like blossoms that range in color from pale purple to pink. Each flower consists of a central disc surrounded by a ring of delicate, petal-like ray florets.

Ampelaster caroliniana thrives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and forest edges to swamps and river banks. It is commonly found in the southeastern U.S., including North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and parts of Florida. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, often in moist, but well-drained areas in part to full sun. Its ability to climb and spread quickly makes it well-suited to growing in areas with ample support structures, such as trees, shrubs, posts or fences.

Ecological Importance

As a native species, climbing aster plays an important role in local ecosystems. Its climbing habit provides vertical structure in the environment, offering shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and small mammals. I often find anoles and small birds like the Carolina Wren hanging out in the branches. The plant is a larval host to the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) caterpillars. In addition, the late-blooming flowers also provide a crucial food source for pollinators during the late summer and fall, a time when many other flowering plants have already completed their bloom cycles. The leftover seeds also provide food for songbirds and small mammals.

Cultivation and Garden Use

Gardeners appreciate climbing aster not only for its beauty but also for its relatively easy care. I use it in my garden along the property line to create a sense of privacy. Even though the vine is deciduous, the branches intertwine so thickly that even in the winter it creates a nice screen. Climbing aster can be propagated by seed, division, layering, or cuttings. I personally have not had luck germinating the plant by seed though it is known to do so in the wild.

In summary, whether serving as a pollinator attractant in the wild or as part of a more intentional garden setting, climbing aster proves to be a resilient and valuable plant. As more gardeners and ecologists become aware of its merits, I hope that this native species will receive greater attention and protection in the years to come.

Resources and Additional Information

Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

More on climbing asters from the NC Botanical Garden: Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster) – FSUS

Gardening tips from a pollinator ecology expert: Gardens loved by pollinators

Edited by Susan Sharpe and Astrid Cook-Dail, NC State Extension Master Gardener^SMvolunteers of Durham County

Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6Xv

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County

Tag: native plants

Native Notes: The Marvelous Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)