Living in this semi-wild area, I have the pleasure of finding treasures blooming in the woods. I saw this beauty the first year we were here, had help with the ID and now I look forward to seeing it bloom every year.
This pretty purple bloom is a Spurred Butterfly Pea Centrosemaa virginianum. It is noted for its downward facing bloom. It is a member of the Pea family and the fruit is a small legume.
I found this trailing, twining vine in a couple places in the front part of our property. There are some other vines but so far I have only seen two blooms this year. It seems to like the dappled shade of the edge of the woods.
This vine is native to the Southern United States, as far west as Texas. The vine is more prone to trail along the ground or twine on low shrubs, reaching 6- 12 feet. The lance shaped leaves are alternate, trifoliate with smooth margins.
I will keep my eyes open for more of this pretty little butterfly to bloom in my woods.
Just out in the open, near the Butterfly Pea, is this little bloom, also in the Pea family. I haven't been able to make a solid ID on this one yet. Will have to double check the leaf structure, thought I had a good picture to refer to, but it isn't clear. Will have to get a better look.
These couple pictures were taken at dusk, minimal light. It is such a delicate shade of pink.
Stay tuned, I may get an identification of this little cutie.
©Copyright 2012 Janet. All rights reserved. Content created by Janet for The Queen of Seaford.
words and photos by Janet,The Queen of Seaford.
It's a lovely little butterfly. Quite a neat new to me vine.
ReplyDeleteTina, it was new to me when we moved here. Love seeing it each year.
DeleteI've never heard of that vine. So pretty! It does look just like a sweet pea. Is it fragrant?
ReplyDeleteTammy, after you asked I went out and found one blooming again and there was no fragrance (that I noticed).
DeleteSpurred Butterfly Pea... I even like the name. Such a pretty, seemingly delicate plant .. one that might be overlooked by someone less observant!
ReplyDeleteDJ, it is a cute name too isn't it? It is a delicate bit of color in the woods, kind of jumps out of the background.
DeleteWhat dainty blooms! I am not familiar with this one. Thanks for sharing your discovery.
ReplyDeleteKarin, thanks! I have all sorts of little discoveries in my woods. Have been on the lookout for the bloom of my Cranefly Orchid.
DeleteI love when you post your new plant findings! The vine is just lovely--you have such a good eye for finding beauty in your surroundings, Janet.
ReplyDeleteJulie, thanks! You need to come visit!!
Deletethe cute little flower definitely coming from the dynasty of sweet peas!
ReplyDeleteBangchik, It is a sweet one isn't it?
DeleteJanet I love this plant...how interesting and such a pretty flower...
ReplyDeleteDonna@GEV, it is an interesting shape for sure!
DeleteYou always seem to find such great native plants. These two are lovely, anything in the pea family is a magnet for me.
ReplyDeleteMarguerite, I always have my eyes peeled for something in the woods.
DeleteThanks for sharing your sweet peas. The photos with the dark backgrounds imbue them with mystery.
ReplyDeleteRicki, it does add an air of mystery doesn't it?
DeleteForest finds are the best. There is so much blooming at woods edge and I never have a clue what those delicate little beauties are called. You found a real charmer.
ReplyDeleteDonna@GWGT, I agree, the best!!! I don't venture too far into the woods this time of year, chiggers and ticks get me enough!! I am glad this one was on the edge of the woods.
DeleteJanet, I am wondering if they have a scent like sweet peas?
ReplyDelete