Butterfly Pea
The name Butterfly Pea is commonly used for more than one species in the Clitoria genus, which has led to a great deal of confusion online. Two plants in particular—Clitoria mariana and Clitoria ternatea—are often spoken about as though they are the same. While they are related, they differ significantly in habitat, growth habit, and traditional uses.
The Name Clitoria
First off, if you know anything about linguistics, you might giggle at the scientific name. Clitoria comes from the Greek word kleitoris, referencing the flower’s shape, which resembles female genitalia. The genus was formally described by Carl Linnaeus, the botanist responsible for naming a remarkable number of plants still in use today.
Clitoria mariana (Atlantic Pigeonwings)
Clitoria mariana, also known as Atlantic Pigeonwings, is native to North America and is found in dry, rocky, or open wooded areas. It is a perennial, non-climbing vine that typically sprawls or twines along the ground, reaching up to about three feet in length.
The plant produces one to three purple flowers, each up to two inches long. Like other members of the Pea family, the flowers have a banner, wings, and keel, but in this species, the banner is especially expanded and marked with dark lavender lines. Later in the season, the plant may produce cleistogamous flowers, which self-fertilize and do not fully open. The fruit is a flattened legume that splits into two twisting parts when mature.
Clitoria mariana has trifoliate leaves, smooth stems, and a completely hairless surface. It is considered uncommon in parts of the southeastern United States and is largely absent from traditional Western herbal texts. Importantly, it is not the species used for blue tea, nor is it the plant associated with most of the medicinal claims circulating online.
Clitoria ternatea (Blue Pea / Asian Pigeonwings)
Clitoria ternatea, often called Blue Pea or Asian Pigeonwings, is native to tropical regions of Asia and is the species most people are referring to when they talk about “Butterfly Pea tea.”
This plant is a vigorous climbing vine that twines readily around trellises, fences, and other plants. In warm climates it is a perennial; in cooler regions it is grown as an annual. The leaves are trifoliate, smooth, and bright green.
The flowers of C. ternatea are large and showy, most commonly deep blue, though white and purple varieties also exist. The flattened seed pods contain several seeds.
Clitoria ternatea is rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidants responsible for its vivid blue color. In Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine, it has long been used to support memory, cognitive function, and mental clarity, as well as healthy hair, skin, and eyes. It is also widely used to make blue tea, which famously changes color when an acidic ingredient like lemon juice is added.
Extracts of Clitoria ternatea are approved by the U.S. FDA as a natural color additive for food and beverages.
Why the Distinction Matters
Much of the misinformation surrounding Butterfly Pea comes from treating these two species as interchangeable. While they share a genus and some visual similarities, their traditional uses, geographic origins, and safety profiles are not the same. Claims made about blue tea, antioxidant content, and cognitive support apply specifically to Clitoria ternatea and should not be assumed to apply to Clitoria mariana.
When purchasing Butterfly Pea products or seeds, always verify the scientific name, not just the common name. If you are wildcrafting or experimenting with herbal preparations, research carefully and consult reliable sources.
Butterfly Pea Species Comparison
| Feature | Clitoria mariana | Clitoria ternatea |
|---|---|---|
| Common Names | Atlantic Pigeonwings, Butterfly Pea | Blue Pea, Asian Pigeonwings, Butterfly Pea |
| Native Range | North America | Tropical Asia |
| Growth Habit | Low-growing, sprawling vine | Vigorous climbing vine |
| Length / Size | Up to ~3 feet | Can grow 6–10+ feet with support |
| Flower Color | Purple | Deep blue (also white or purple varieties) |
| Flower Size | Up to ~2 inches | ~1.5–2 inches |
| Cleistogamous Flowers | Yes (later in season) | No |
| Leaves | Trifoliate, smooth, hairless | Trifoliate, smooth, hairless |
| Habitat Preference | Dry, rocky, open woods | Warm, humid, cultivated environments |
| Traditional Medicinal Use | Minimal/undocumented | Extensive (Ayurveda, Asian traditions) |
| Used for Blue Tea | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| High Anthocyanin Content | Not well documented | ✅ Yes |
| FDA-Approved Food Colorant | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (C. ternatea extract) |
| Common Source of Confusion | Often mistaken for C. ternatea | Most online info refers to this species |
Disclaimer:
The information shared here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Plant identification, preparation, and use should always be approached with care. Common names can refer to multiple species, each with different properties and safety considerations. Please research thoroughly, verify scientific names, and consult qualified professionals before ingesting or using any plant medicinally.