Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Maypop
Also known as: Wild apricot, True passionflower
Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine that grows quickly and is native to the southern United States. It can be used commercially as a flavoring agent, and the fruit has traditionally been used in making sweet items, such as juices, pies, and desserts. Maypop is highly flammable, so it should not be planted near the house in areas prone to wildfires.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Summer
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
Harvest Time
1.8 m to 6 m
Plant Height
90 cm to 1.8 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
6 cm to 8 cm
Flower Size
Yellow, Green, Orange, Gold
Fruit Color
Purple, White, Pink, Blue
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season

Images of Maypop

Distribution of Maypop

Distribution Map
Maypop is native to the lowland woodlands and open areas in the South America. It was introduced to North America, India, Asia and Oceania. This is a popular ornamental plant grown for its showy flowers in warmer climates.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Sandy thickets, open soils, fields, roadsides, fence rows, thickets
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
Maypop is a useful addition to gardens where some vertical interest is desired. It will climb readily on fences and arbors, and is very vigorous, so coverage can be achieved quickly. The flowers and fruits are both added features, as they are very beautiful when in season. Combine with Rose, Butterfly weed, and Viburnum for pleasing effects.
Symbolism
Features of Crucifixion, known as The Passion of Christ
Name Story
Purple passionflower: The plants were given the name Passionflower or Passion vine because the flowers were once said to represent certain aspects of the Christian crucifixion story. Also, it is sometimes referred to as Passion. As the flowers are purple, it is called purple passionflower. Furthermore, it is also called wild passion vine because it is a wild plant.
Wild passion vine: The plants were given the name Passionflower or Passion vine because the flowers were once said to represent certain aspects of the Christian crucifixion story. Also, it is sometimes referred to as Passion. As the flowers are purple, it is called purple passionflower. Furthermore, it is also called wild passion vine because it is a wild plant.
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Maypop is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans, particularly its roots, stems, and leaves which contain cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, convulsions and abnormal heart rate. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for pets showing symptoms. Humans should avoid consuming large quantities of these plant parts to prevent poisoning. Stay cautious around maypop.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: Toxicity of Maypop

Weed Control

Maypop is native to the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America. It is considered a weed by the Southern Weed Science Society, which covers Puerto Rico and 14 states in the southeastern United States. In contrast, it is also considered rare in Indiana and threatened in Ohio. Maypop may displace desirable vegetation in certain areas without management. Its spread can be controlled by regular removal of suckers. Eradication of established plants is difficult as 2.5 cm remnant rhizomes may regenerate into new plants. Thus, hand pulling or tilling may result in larger infestations without complete removal of the rootstocks.
How to Control It
To manage the growth of maypop, it is best to tackle it in early spring before the vines begin to vigorously grow and potentially before seeds have a chance to sprout.
  1. Hand pulling: Grasp the base of the maypop stem and gently pull to remove the plant, making sure to get as much of the root as possible to prevent regrowth.
  2. Mulching: Cover the soil around desired plants with a thick layer of organic material, like wood chips or straw, to suppress the growth of maypop.
  3. Cutting back: Trim the maypop vines periodically to prevent them from overwhelming other plants and to maintain the desired shape and size.
  4. Dense planting: Cultivate other plants closely to outcompete maypop and limit its available space and resources.
  5. Barrier installation: Place landscape fabric or plastic sheeting around desired plantings to restrict the root spread of maypop.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Maypop

1
Distinct three-lobed leaves measuring 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length.
2
Fragrant white flowers with purple crown and 3-inch (7.5 cm) diameter.
3
Egg-shaped fleshy berries up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) emitting a 'pop' when compressed.
4
Dark green trunk with smooth texture in young stages, transitioning to vibrant green as it matures.
5
Flowers with intricate radial filament arrangement and lavender sepals and petals.
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to identify Maypop

Care Guide for Maypop

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Maypop thrives in humid subtropical regions, requiring consistent moisture and good drainage. Water weekly for optimal growth, benefiting from higher humidity. As an herbaceous perennial, it prefers rainwater during the growing season to support its unique flowering.
Fertilize: For optimal growth, maypop benefits from balanced fertilizers, like a 10-10-10 mix, every 4-6 weeks in the growing season. Apply near the root zone and water thoroughly to avoid root burn. Reduce fertilization during winter dormancy to maintain maypop's health and vibrancy.
Pruning: Maypop is a vigorous vine that flourishes with early spring pruning, particularly by removing dead growth and thinning crowded areas. This approach enhances air circulation and promotes healthy growth, leading to abundant blooms and fruit. Refer to horticultural guides for tailored pruning advice on maypop.
Propagation: Maypop is a perennial vine that propagates effectively via cuttings. For rooting, use healthy semi-woody stems in moist, well-draining soil. Provide indirect light and maintain humidity. Once rooted, transfer maypop to a larger pot or outdoor site, ensuring rich soil, adequate water, and temperature control.
Repotting: Maypop should be repotted every 2-3 years in early spring using a larger pot to support its growth. After repotting, provide indirect light and maintain consistent moisture for recovery. Seasonal repotting promotes strong blooms and a healthy structure for this vigorous climber.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Maypop
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app