Edible Medicinal

Maypop

Passiflora incarnata

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USDA Zones 7–10 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 10–25 Feet

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The Full Story

The Maypop is a perennial vine with three lobed leaves and very showy intricate blue flowers about three inches across. It climbs by tendrils or sprawls on the ground.

Not uncommon in fields and woods edges of the southern United States. Lime-sized fruit becomes leathery and yellowish with tasty pulp around small seeds.

A treat for southern farm boys. Plant in sandy soil in sunny location with fence or trellis to climb.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Explore this plant’s medicinal profile
Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–10
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 10–25 Feet · Spread 6–10 Feet
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Dies back, depends on zone
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Flowers

The flowers of Passiflora incarnata are a stunning display of botanical intricacy, measuring 3–5 inches in diameter. They feature five pale purple to lavender petals and sepals, complemented by a striking corona of thread-like filaments. These filaments radiate outward in concentric rings of purple and white, creating an exotic, almost otherworldly appearance. At the center, a prominent structure showcases five yellow-anthered stamens, three stigmas, and a green ovary, arranged in a captivating formation. Blooming from late spring to early fall, the flowers emit a subtle, sweet fragrance and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Foliage

The foliage of Passiflora incarnata is lush and tropical, contributing to its ornamental appeal. The leaves are deeply lobed, typically with three distinct lobes (occasionally five), and measure 4–6 inches in length and width. Their upper surface is a deep green with a slightly lighter underside, offering a smooth, leathery texture and a subtle gloss. Serrated edges and pronounced veins add further visual interest. With its dense growth habit, the vine provides excellent coverage for trellises, fences, or arbors, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes by offering shade and privacy.

Fruit

The fruit, commonly known as the Maypop, is an oval or egg-shaped edible delight, measuring about 2–3 inches in length. Its smooth, leathery outer skin transitions from green to pale yellow or light orange when ripe. Inside, the fruit is filled with a gelatinous, translucent pulp that encases small black seeds. The pulp has a tropical, sweet-tangy flavor reminiscent of citrus and guava, accompanied by a mild, fruity fragrance. Ripe from late summer to early fall, Maypops are not only a treat for the palate but also a favorite of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. They are often used in desserts, beverages, and preserves, adding culinary versatility to their ornamental value.

With its stunning flowers, lush foliage, and flavorful fruits, Passiflora incarnata is a triple-threat addition to any garden, blending ornamental beauty with ecological and culinary benefits.

Care

Read our full care guide

Overview

Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as the Passionflower or Maypop, is a hardy, herbaceous vine native to the southeastern United States. Known for its strikingly intricate flowers and edible fruits, this fast-growing plant is a favorite among gardeners for its ornamental beauty and utility in pollinator gardens.

Growing Conditions

  • Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 7–10.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Thrives best with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soils. Prefers a pH range of 6.1–7.5.
  • Watering: Moderate watering is required. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.

Planting Instructions

  1. Site Selection: Choose a location with ample sunlight and support for the vine to climb, such as a trellis, fence, or arbor.
  2. Planting Depth: Plant seeds or transplants at the same depth they were growing in their container.
  3. Spacing: Space plants 3–5 feet apart to allow for vigorous growth and sprawling vines.
  4. Soil Preparation: Amend soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage.

Care Instructions

  • Watering: Deep water weekly during dry periods. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
  • Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
  • Pruning: Cut back vines in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak growth and encourage new growth.
  • Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
  • Support: Ensure robust climbing structures are in place for the vines to grow on.

Pests and Diseases

  • Common Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur.
  • Diseases: Passionflower is relatively disease-resistant but may encounter root rot in poorly drained soils. Leaf spots can occur but are rarely severe.

Winter Care

  • Hardiness: In zones 5–6, apply a thick layer of mulch around the roots to protect them from freezing temperatures. The plant may die back to the ground but typically regrows in spring.
  • Container-Grown Plants: Move containers to a sheltered location during freezing weather or insulate pots with burlap or bubble wrap.

Companion Planting

Pair Passiflora incarnata with pollinator-friendly plants like lavender, echinacea, or milkweed to create a haven for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

With these care tips, you can enjoy the unique beauty of Passiflora incarnata and its ability to transform your garden into a lush, pollinator-friendly paradise.

Medicinal & Traditional Use
Traditional profile
Tradition
Traditional Herbal Medicine: Utilized in various traditional medicine systems for its calming effects., Phytotherapy: Employed in modern herbal practices for its potential therapeutic properties., Sedative and Anxiolytic Agent: Due to its calming and anxiety-reducing effects.
Parts used
Aerial Parts: Leaves, stems, and flowers are primarily utilized.
Preparation
Infusions (Teas): Steeping dried aerial parts in hot water for relaxation and digestion., Tinctures: Alcohol-based extracts standardized for consistent dosing., Capsules and Tablets: Common in the supplement market for anxiety and sleep disorders.
Active compounds
Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, and quercetin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities., Indole Alkaloids: Such as harmine, harman, and harmaline, which have anxiolytic and sedative properties., Glycosides: Compounds that contribute to the plant's calming effects., Phenolic Acids: Caffeic and chlorogenic acid, known for their antioxidative benefits.
Research evidence
3 / 5
Traditional uses
Mental & Emotional Well-beingReproductive HealthDigestive HealthImmune Support
History & tradition

Deep in the heart of the southeastern United States, where the warm sun meets sprawling meadows, a curious vine with intricate, otherworldly flowers began its journey into medicinal history. Known as Passiflora incarnata or the "Maypop," this plant first caught the attention of Native American tribes. They revered it not just for its beauty but for its ability to calm the restless and heal the ailing. To them, the Maypop was more than a plant—it was a gentle remedy gifted by nature.

Native tribes like the Cherokee brewed its leaves and flowers into soothing teas, easing everything from sleepless nights to bouts of anxiety. They believed the vine held the power to bridge the spirit and the earth, a belief mirrored by its later use as a ceremonial herb. It was even applied as a poultice for wounds and inflammations, earning its reputation as a versatile healer.

As European settlers arrived, they, too, fell under the spell of Passiflora incarnata. The plant’s calming properties found their way into herbal medicine cabinets, where it was prescribed for "hysteria," nervousness, and insomnia. Its intricate flowers were seen as divine, symbolizing the Passion of Christ, which further deepened its spiritual and medicinal allure.

By the 19th century, Passiflora incarnata became a staple in herbal pharmacopoeias across Europe and North America. Apothecaries and folk healers praised it for its dual power: to calm the mind and mend the body. Over time, modern scientists began to unlock the secrets of its chemical compounds, confirming what traditional wisdom had long held true. The plant's flavonoids and alkaloids, particularly harman and harmaline, proved to have real sedative and anti-anxiety effects.

Today, Passiflora incarnata is a bridge between ancient and modern medicine, appearing in tinctures, teas, and capsules worldwide. Its story, rooted in indigenous wisdom and shaped by centuries of tradition, reminds us that nature’s remedies often hold profound truths waiting to be rediscovered. In every cup of passionflower tea lies a connection to this rich medicinal heritage—a soothing sip of history.

Passiflora incarnata has been traditionally and scientifically recognized for:

  • Anxiolytic Effects: Helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by calming the nervous system.
  • Sedative Properties: Improves sleep quality and addresses mild insomnia.
  • Anticonvulsant Activity: Potentially helpful for managing seizures.
  • Gastrointestinal Benefits: Alleviates indigestion, colic, and diarrhea.
  • Menopausal Support: Eases hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms due to hormonal modulation.
References & research

ScienceDirect Overview of Research

Research on the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Ethnopharmacology and Clinical Applications

Please note

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.

  • Sedation Risk: Can cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after use.
  • Pregnancy and Nursing: Insufficient safety data; avoid during pregnancy unless under medical supervision.
  • Drug Interactions: May interact with sedatives, anticoagulants, and antidepressants. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

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Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Also found in
As written on The Node
Living Fences: A Living Legacy of Boundaries, Beauty, and Biodiversity Whispers of the Apothecary Garden
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
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