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Atlantic pigeon wings

How to identify Atlantic pigeon wings (Clitoria mariana)

Atlantic pigeon wings, also known as Spoonflower

Atlantic pigeon wings is characterized by young stems and leaves that bear a striking cloak of reddish-brown hairs. This perennial vine exhibits a tendency to spread across the ground rather than climbing, maintaining a low, dense growth. It possesses compound leaves that are evergreen and arranged in tiered fashion. Notably, atlantic pigeon wings captivates with its funnel-shaped, lavender-pink flowers that emerge solitarily or occasionally paired, resembling a hose-in-hose configuration. These large, pea-like blossoms, supported by a 5-lobed, rounded calyx, make their appearance predominantly in spring and can continue their show into fall.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb, Vine

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Atlantic pigeon wings

1

Reddish-brown haired stems and leaves.

2

Funnel-shaped lavender-pink flowers with a hose-in-hose configuration.

3

Distinctive flattened legume fruit, sticky seeds.

4

Trifoliate leaves with ovate to lanceolate leaflets.

5

Erect to trailing stems with short, fine, curved hairs.

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Detailed Traits of Atlantic pigeon wings

Leaf Features

The leaves of atlantic pigeon wings are alternate and petiolate, featuring a trifoliate arrangement. Each leaf comprises egg-shaped or lance-shaped leaflets, measuring 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length. The leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, glabrous on the upper surface, and either glabrous or short pubescent beneath. They possess entire margins, contributing to their smooth edges. The texture and outline of the leaflets, along with their size, are key identification features.

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Flower Features

Atlantic pigeon wings flowers bloom from May through September, exhibiting pale lavender-blue to violet hues. Each flower measures about 2 inches (5 cm) in size, featuring a large rounded standard that is notched at the tip. The keel and white petals are notably shorter. These flowers, ranging from 1 to 3 per stalk, emerge from the axils of leaves. Late in the season, the plant produces small, bud-like flowers. Ideal for identification, their distinct color and configuration make them noteworthy.

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Stem Features

The stem of atlantic pigeon wings is erect to reclining or trailing, with a glabrous to sparsely pubescent texture featuring short, fine, curved hairs. The stems are green in color and may be unbranched or develop branches near the base. They display a smooth, slightly glossy surface, and their thickness varies moderately, often maintaining consistent diameter along their length.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of atlantic pigeon wings is a distinctive, flattened legume, naturally adapted to facilitate its distribution. Typically, it measures about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. The outer shell tends to be fibrous with a slight texture that may vary from smooth to slightly rough. As for coloration, it exhibits hues ranging from green when immature, to tan or brown as it reaches maturity, blending well with the surrounding foliage. Remarkably, the seeds within have a unique adhesive characteristic, making them sticky to the touch. This stickiness possibly aids in dispersal by adhering to animals or environmental elements.

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Key Facts About Atlantic pigeon wings

Attributes of Atlantic pigeon wings
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb, Vine
Plant Height
45 cm to 60 cm
Flower Size
5 cm to 8 cm
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
Blue
Lavender
White
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Atlantic pigeon wings

Family
Legume
Icon allow
Species
Atlantic pigeon wings (Clitoria mariana)
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Distribution Map of Atlantic pigeon wings

Atlantic pigeon wings is a plant primarily native to North America. It has spread beyond its native habitat to become naturalized in various parts of Asia, encompassing regions on the Indochinese Peninsula and extending to the foothills of the Himalayas and areas in East Asia.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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