Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Family: Passifloraceae · Also called Maypop, Wild Passion Vine, Apricot Vine, Passiflora incarnata f. alba, Passiflora incarnata var. integriloba, Passiflora rigidula
Green & Fresh · Summer bloomer
The passionflower is one of nature's most elaborate designs, an intricate mandala of radiating filaments (the corona) in purple and white surrounding a complex arrangement of reproductive parts, all framed by petals. Each flower looks like the work of a jeweler rather than evolution, an engineering marvel of pollination strategy.
faith, spirituality, passion (suffering), belief
In the Victorian language of flowers, passionflower means “Faith and religious devotion”. Spanish missionaries in the 1500s saw the flower as a divine teaching tool for the Passion of Christ: the 10 petals = faithful apostles, the corona = crown of thorns, 5 stamens = 5 wounds, 3 styles = 3 nails. This interpretation spread passionflower across Europe as a symbol of faith. Pre-Columbian peoples used it medicinally as a sedative.
Did You Know?
Passionflower is clinically proven as a mild sedative, it increases GABA levels in the brain. Several passionflower species produce edible fruit (passionfruit/maracuyá). The vine is the sole food source for Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing butterfly caterpillars. Some species have evolved to produce fake butterfly eggs on their leaves to deter egg-laying.
Forest edges, thickets, roadsides, and disturbed ground in warm climates
Passionflower is native to Southeastern United States, Central and South America. It naturally grows in forest edges, thickets, roadsides, and disturbed ground in warm climates.
Scent Profile
“A subtle, sweet tropical fragrance with fruity undertones, pleasant but not powerful. The flower's extraordinary appearance does all the work of attracting both pollinators and admirers.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NamePassiflora incarnata
- FamilyPassifloraceae
- Native ToSoutheastern United States, Central and South America
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Spanish missionaries in the 1500s saw the flower as a divine teaching tool for the Passion of Christ: the 10 petals = faithful apostles, the corona = crown of thorns, 5 stamens = 5 wounds, 3 styles = 3 nails. This interpretation spread passionflower across Europe as a symbol of faith. Pre-Columbian peoples used it medicinally as a sedative.