Passionflower Passiflora incarnata (F)

Names

• Family

  Passifloraceae.

• Synonyms

  Maypop, Purple Passionflower, True Passionflower, Wild Apricot, Wild Passion Vine.

• Common names

  Passiflora incarnata var. hirsuta, Passiflora hirsuta, Passiflora macrophylla, Passiflora incarnata var. pubescens.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Passionflower, specifically Passiflora incarnata, is generally considered safe for human consumption when used appropriately. The parts of the plant, including the fruit, leaves, and flowers, are often used in herbal preparations for their sedative and anxiety-reducing effects. There are no major toxic effects known for humans when consumed in normal food quantities or as a herbal supplement. However, excessive consumption could potentially lead to side effects such as dizziness, confusion, irregular muscle action and coordination, altered consciousness, and inflamed blood vessels. Pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts as it may stimulate uterine contractions. As with any herbal supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before use.

• To pets

  Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, is not commonly listed as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, as pets may have different sensitivities than humans, and given the sedative nature of some compounds present in the plant, it is possible that pets could experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume large amounts of the plant. Symptoms might include vomiting or diarrhea. In general, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not specifically intended for them, and if a pet does consume passionflower and shows signs of distress, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Spread

  3 feet (0.9 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  6

• Native area

  Southeastern United States

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as maypop, attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
• Edible Fruits: The maypop produces edible fruits that can be consumed fresh or used in various recipes, such as jams and desserts.
• Ornamental Value: With its intricate, exotic-looking flowers, the maypop is popular for its ornamental value, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
• Ease of Care: Maypop is a hardy plant that can thrive with minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels of experience.
• Fast Growth: This fast-growing vine can quickly cover fences, arbors, and trellises, providing privacy and shade.
• Natural Dye: The plant can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, the maypop is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Soil Enrichment: As a member of the Passifloraceae family, it can enrich the soil by adding organic matter through its decomposing leaves.

Medical Properties

• Anxiolytic: Often used for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects.
• Sedative: Commonly employed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Antispasmodic: May help relieve muscle spasms and tension.
• Analgesic: Contains components that are thought to have mild pain-relieving abilities.
• Nervine: Used traditionally to support the nervous system.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as maypop, can be used as a natural dye due to the pigments present in its flowers and fruit.
• The delicate vines of maypop can be woven into small handicrafts or jewelry, making sustainable decorative pieces.
• The fruit of the maypop can be utilized in making jelly and jam, offering a unique, tropical flavor to complement bread and pastries.
• Its attractive flowers make maypop an ornamental plant for gardens or as part of floral arrangements for an aesthetic appeal.
• The hollowed-out fruit of maypop can serve as a natural, biodegradable container for small items or seeds.
• Maypop vines can be used in erosion control due to their robust root system which helps stabilize the soil.
• Dried maypop leaves can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add fragrance and texture.
• The leaves of the maypop can be used as food for certain types of livestock, such as rabbits and goats.
• As a climbing plant, maypop can be used to create living fences or privacy screens in gardens and patios.
• Maypop’s rapid growth and dense coverage make it suitable for use in a children's garden, providing a quick-growing play area or natural "hideout".

Feng Shui

The Passionflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Passionflower is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Passion: Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as Maypop, is a symbol of passion and attraction, reflecting its namesake, the "Passion" in Passion Flower, which is derived from the Passion of Christ and the plant's complex structure.
• Christian Faith: This plant is imbued with Christian symbolism; its various parts are thought to represent significant aspects of the Passion of Christ, such as the crown of thorns, the wounds of Christ, or the apostles.
• Suffering and Sacrifice: The intricate patterning of the Passion Flower can also symbolize the intricacies of suffering and sacrifice, as it is historically connected with the suffering (Passion) of Christ.
• Peace and Serenity: Maypop is often associated with bringing peace and calmness, which is why it's used in gardens and homes as a reminder to relax and provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
• Spiritual Enlightenment: Due to its unique and complex structure, the flower is also seen as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, thought to represent the search for meaning in life.