General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Pinelands, coastal hammocks, sandhills, scrub, disturbed areas
Native States: FL, AL, GA, MS, LA, SC, NC, TX, OK, AR, TN, KY, VA, MD, DE
Growing Zones: 8–11
Size at Maturity: 1–3 feet tall, up to 6 feet long (trailing or climbing vine)
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Herbaceous, sprawling, twining vine
Bloom Season: Spring through fall
Bloom Color: Lavender to violet with darker center and a backward-facing spur
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Dry, average, adaptable
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Groundcover, trellises, native wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens
Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; trim to control spread if needed; reseeds readily
Considerations: Delicate vine that may require support; good for informal or naturalistic settings
Hurricane Wind Resistant: No
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: Yes
Other Information
Edible: Caution (not known to be edible; avoid ingestion)
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: No
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used in traditional medicine as a poultice and mild sedative
Florida Native Companion Plant: Pineland Heliotrope, Twinflower, Partridge Pea
Wildlife Benefit: Bees, butterflies, small insects
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes – host to Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus) and other skipper species