Centrosema Species, Spurred Butterfly Pea

I live in SE Georgia. I found this vine growing in a partially shaded area in gravel. This area is very dry. The soil is several inches ...Read Morebelow the gravel so it must be a tough plant. The leaves on mine are more elongated and narrow than those pictured on this site.

Pretty little wild flower found growing throughout NE Florida. I'll find these plants frequently along roadsides or in shaded areas of t...Read Morehe woods, though sometimes growing up a fence in part-sun. Seems to like damp places. I love stumbling across these on my walks through the woods.

This pretty vine is native to my east TX woods. I found the seeds a bit difficult to start. After soaking in water for a period of time...Read More, I was able to start a few from seed. The Butterfly Pea vine is a perennial in this zone. It will do well in ground or in a container.

I had never seen nor heard of this plant and found it growing wild in my shade garden..must love the filtered light and moisture there...Jeanne

I love this vine, the flowers are so pretty but the foliage does not make a statement. I agree it should be planted with other vines, le...Read Moretting the flowers make the impression.

Some additional Info that I found on this plant:
It is listed as a perennial although I have not had it return for me in zone 9. I always have to replant. It is SAID to be hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees. (my carpenter bees LOVE them) It can also fix Nitrogen.
It prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) well-drained soil and tolerates poor soil. It prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soil. It cannot handle shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Can be grown without support for a sprawling groundcover.
Pre-soak seeds for 12 hours in warm water before planting.

I agree with bonjule about planting this with other vines.
The foliage is inconspicuous but the blooms will be outstanding against...Read More the foliage of another vine. Maudie

In Florida, I saw painted lady butterflies using this plant for nectar. Where it is allowed to climb on another plant, it excels.

A slender trailing or clasping vine with purple flattened pea flowers (3/4 - 1 1/2") with a small spur at the base, single or in small cl...Read Moreusters. The flat part of the flower is pointing groundward unlike most of the pea-family. The leaves are alternate, divided into 3 leaflets ovate to lanceolate, each 1 - 2 1/2" long.
Flowers July-August. Likes open, usually dry, woodlands and fields, pine forest edges.