A.k.a. purple passion flower. A vine native to the south of the state with a striking and intricate purple flower. Often “well behaved” in Indiana, where it tends to die back to the ground in the winter, but can be prone to suckering. Taproot makes it fairly drought resistant once established.

Best grown on a large trellis (or other support structure) with a protected southern exposure. Maypop are twining vines, not clinging vines, so will not be able to climb a flat surface like a privacy fence, wall, or tree trunk. A loose layer of extra leaf/twig mulch can be applied around the base of the vine in early winter for insulation. Fruits are edible, though not very fleshy, so their pulp is generally used to flavor other foods.

Pollination: 2+ individuals likely needed.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic

Soil Type: Loam, Sandy Loam, Clay Loam

Height: 10’-20’

Spread: -

Bloom Color: Purple

Bloom Time: Jul-Oct

Fall Color: -

Root Type: Taproot

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract mainly bees, extra-floral nectaries feed mainly ants. Hosts at least one moth and beetle, and a few butterflies including the variegated fritillary  

Notes: As this species occurs naturally in the south of the state and southward, most of the butterflies it hosts are not native to central Indiana. The varigated fritillary, however, is native throughout the state. Vines are evergreen in southern states, so likely do not display much fall color.