Names:

Passiflora, passion flower, maypop, old field apricot, passiflora incarnata

Description:

Passionflower is a unique but radically symmetric flower typically having 5 sepals and 5 petals with a ring of radial filaments, five stamens and an ovary composed of 3 carpels. Traditionally used in the Americas and later in Europe as a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. It is still used today to treat anxiety and insomnia. Thought there are many different characteristics depending on species. Commonly known as passion fruit it is a vine plant that is native to the region of southern Brazil through Paraguay all the way to northern Argentina. It is cultivated commercially in tropical and subtropical areas for its sweet and seedy fruit. With uses such as teas, supplements, and poultices.

Cultivation:

Typically easy-to-grow vine that climbs on fences, trellises, or arbors. Tropical passionflower prefers warmth and higher humidity than other varieties. Provide a sheltered location like a garden wall or fence with a trellis and will need plenty of space to grow. Can be propagated from seed though seedlings may not grow to be that same as parent plant. Propagation can also be done easily from cutting in spring. Cutting should be about 4-6 inch stem from new growth to below leaf node at a 45 degree angle. Can be rooted hydroponically or in potting mix or equal parts sand and peat. Roots will form within 3-4 weeks. USDA Hardiness zone 5-11 depending on variety. Colder climates its best to have a container to bring inside for the winter

Light requirements:

Full sun to partial shade

Soil requirements:

Well-drained soil

Watering:

Water deeply after planting. Water 1-2 times a week letting the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before next watering. Can tolerate very dry conditions.

Parts Used:

Flowers, leaves, and stems

Herbal Actions:

Analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, hypotensive, nervine, sedative

Energetics:

Cooling and drying

Medicinal Uses:

Traditionally used to help with sleep it has been found to help with anxiety, stress, ADHD, pain, seizures, and hysteria. The Cherokee used the roots for poultices to ease inflammation in wounds, tea from the root for earaches. Used for teas, and tinctures.

Allies:

Butterfly bush, milkweed, and Joe Pye weed

Cautions:

Generally regarded safe even in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Though pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor and use under guidance.