What better plant to talk about this month than the Maypop? A hardy perennial vine, also known as wild passionflower, or apricot vine, the Maypop passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a southeastern United States native admired for its intricate purple flowers, interesting foliage, and tropical-like fruit.
Permaculture gardens are designed to be self-sufficient, regenerative, mini ecosystems that mimic the processes of natural ecosystems. They produce a wide range of natural products and services while contributing to biodiversity and ecologic resilience. One plant that fits perfectly into the permaculture paradigm is the maypop passionflower. This unique vine offers an array of benefits to gardens and gardeners alike, making it a perfect addition to many permaculture gardens.
My Personal Introduction to Maypop Passionflower
I learned about this plant from the book Gaia’s Garden and was instantly smitten, but unsure if I could grow them in my 6b climate. The book reported that maypop is hardy to 0°F (zone 7a). Even though climate maps call my area 6b/7a, those who live here know that it definitely gets colder than 0°F here, so I was hesitant.
You can imagine my delight when I found a listing on Onegreenworld.com for Maypop, supposedly hardy to Zone 5. I ordered one, and when it arrived, I tucked it into a prime spot at the base of my cattle panel arch that forms the entrance to my garden. My maypop blossomed that year, with only two or three flowers that never turned into fruit. As expected, the plant died back to the ground over the winter and now, in mid-May, I’m eagerly watching to see if new life emerges. If it did survive the winter, it will emerge in late spring, either in May or June depending on spring temperatures.
What’s so Special About the Maypop?
The maypop is high on my list of multi-functional plants. I’ll get into more of its uses in a moment, but the reasons I love it most are that it’s an edible, hardy cousin of the tropical passionfruit, it has a vigorous and vining growth habit useful for growing in urban environments, and of course, its eye-catching and pollinating-attracting purple flower.
Maypop Functions
Pollinator Attractor
The showy flower of the maypop passionflower attracts a variety of pollinators from bees to butterflies, to hummingbirds. The flowers produce abundant nectar to feed and support pollinator populations. The maypop plant is also a host species for several butterfly larvae native to the southern United States.
Soil Improver
Maypop may die back to the ground in winter, but its roots grow bigger and stronger each year. This robust root system improves the soil in several ways. First, it stabilizes soil, which is particularly valuable on slopes and other areas prone to soil erosion. Second, it improves soil structure by breaking up compact soils and adding organic matter when the previous year’s foliage breaks down. Finally, this decomposition cycle improves soil fertility as nutrients are added back to the soil.
Provides Wildlife Habitat
The maypop invites a variety of wildlife species into the garden. As I already mentioned, it attracts pollinators and is even a host species for some butterfly species (the Variegated Fritillary, Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, and Julia Longwing). In regions where maypop grows wild and these butterflies are present, the butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and the caterpillars feed on the foliage.
The dense foliage is also attractive to birds for refuge and nesting sites. Small mammals are attracted to the fruits, which might be welcome, or a nuisance to be aware of, depending on your garden and preferences.
Edible Fruits, Leaves, and Stems
In late summer, the decorative flowers gradually make way for egg-shaped fruits filled with sweet-tangy pulp and seeds. The fruit can be eaten raw (eat the seeds too, or spit them out), made into jelly, jam, and desserts, and used to flavor beverages.
The fruits aren’t the only edible part of the maypop. Its stems, leaves, and flowers can also be eaten. Maypop leaves can go into salads, and the flowers can be fried in oil.
Remember to use caution whenever trying new foods. See my site disclaimer for more information.
Medicinal Uses of Maypop
Speaking of disclaimers, if you’re looking to use any plants, including maypop, medicinally, do so with caution and seek professional guidance. Traditionally, passionflower plants have been used to treat an array of conditions, including epilepsy, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and menstrual symptoms. The leaves and stems are a mild sedative.
Seasonal Shade
Due to its vigorous summer growth and vining habit, an established maypop can provide seasonal shade on a patio or other outdoor area. It will grow along fences, up trellises, or on other structures, up to 25 feet in one season, even when growing back from the ground in spring.
Since maypop is deciduous, it won’t shade the welcome winter sun. It’ll take a few weeks for the vines to come in enough to provide shade but should be filled in by the heat of summer when shade is most needed.
Likewise, maypop can provide an attractive privacy screen for outdoor areas, but only when the vine and leaves are present. Consider a more permanent structure or evergreen plants for year-round privacy.
Harvest
Maypop flowers and fruits develop over a range of time, meaning that there could be both flowers and fruits of varying ripeness present at one time on the same vine. When fruits are ripe they fall to the ground and are said to make a “popping” sound when stepped on, one origin story of the name maypop.
Harvest time spans from late summer to the first freeze. Ripe fruits have wrinkled skin, are heavier than unripe fruits, and pull easily from the vine. Or you can wait for ripe fruits to drop and pick them up from the ground.
To eat, cut open the pod or pull it apart with your fingers and scoop out the pulp. Whole maypop fruits can store for a week or two in a sealed container in the fridge. Take care not to let them dry out. The pulp can also be scooped out and frozen to enjoy later or make jam.
Maypop Passionflower Cautions
- Flammable – Maypop is highly flammable, so it should not be planted next to homes in wildfire-prone areas.
- Dispersive – Maypop can be annoyingly successful at spreading by seed.
- Sprawling – Maypop is a sprawling vigorous vine, that could be difficult to eradicate.
Maypop (Hardy Passionflower)
Botanical Name: Passiflora incarnata
Family: Passifloraceae (Passionflower family)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5, 6, or 7 (depending on variety)
Bloom Time: July-fall
Ripening Time: Late fall
Pollination Requirement: Maypop is self-fertile
Conclusion
The maypop passionflower is a valuable asset in permaculture gardening. Its stunning flowers, delicious fruits, medicinal properties, and environmental contributions enhance many a garden. By incorporating this versatile vine, you can create a vibrant ecosystem that supports pollinators, provides tasty treats and remedies, and serves as a natural fence, shade provider, soil enhancer, and wildlife habitat.
If you haven’t already, consider incorporating the under-appreciated, multifaceted maypop into your garden this year.
Resources
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pain6
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