Pigeonwings: A Colorful Non-Native Addition to Your Garden
If you’re looking for a flowering plant that brings a pop of vibrant color to your garden, pigeonwings (Clitoria) might catch your eye. This perennial herb produces stunning butterfly-shaped blooms that can add tropical flair to your landscape, though it’s important to understand both its benefits and its non-native status before deciding if it’s right for your garden.
What Are Pigeonwings?
Pigeonwings are herbaceous perennials that belong to the legume family. As forbs, they’re vascular plants without significant woody tissue above ground, with their perennating buds located at or below the soil surface. This growth habit makes them quite resilient, allowing them to return year after year in suitable climates.
The most striking feature of pigeonwings is their distinctive flowers, which come in shades of blue, purple, and white. These butterfly-shaped blooms are not only beautiful but also serve as excellent attractants for pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Native Status and Geographic Distribution
It’s crucial to understand that pigeonwings are not native to the United States. Originally from tropical regions of Asia and South America, they’ve been introduced and now reproduce spontaneously in the wild across many regions, including Hawaii, the Pacific Basin, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the lower 48 states, their native status is undefined, but they can be found growing in numerous states from coast to coast.
Currently, pigeonwings can be found in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, as well as in Palau, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Should You Plant Pigeonwings?
The decision to plant pigeonwings comes down to your gardening goals and environmental consciousness. While these plants offer attractive flowers and can support pollinators, their non-native status means they don’t provide the same ecological benefits as native alternatives.
Pros of Growing Pigeonwings:
- Beautiful, eye-catching flowers that bloom consistently
- Attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Perennial growth habit means they return each year
- Relatively low maintenance once established
- Can work well in tropical-themed gardens
Considerations:
- Non-native status means limited ecological value compared to native plants
- May compete with native species in some environments
- Not suitable for native plant gardens or restoration projects
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow pigeonwings, they’re generally adaptable plants that can thrive in the right conditions. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Regular moisture is important, especially during the growing season, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
These plants are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, though some varieties may survive in zone 8 with winter protection. In cooler climates, consider growing them in containers that can be moved indoors during cold weather.
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant after the last frost date in your area
- Choose a location with good drainage to prevent root rot
- Water regularly during the growing season, but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Provide support structures if growing climbing varieties
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
- In colder zones, mulch around plants for winter protection
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before planting pigeonwings, consider these native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for colorful, pollinator-friendly blooms
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for striking purple flowers
- Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) for blue, butterfly-shaped flowers
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for late-season color
The Bottom Line
Pigeonwings can be attractive additions to gardens, particularly in warmer climates where they thrive as perennials. Their colorful flowers and ability to attract pollinators make them appealing to many gardeners. However, their non-native status means they won’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants. If you choose to grow them, do so responsibly and consider incorporating native alternatives that can provide similar beauty while supporting your local ecosystem.
