By Maryann Readal

Introduction to Butterfly Pea

Butterfly pea, Clitoria ternatea, also known as pigeonwings, is an interesting, vibrant, blue-flowered herb with a unique shape that inspired the genus name Clitoria. The species name, ternatea, refers to the Indonesian island, Ternate, where the plant was first identified in the 1600s. It is in the pea family, Fabaceae, and true to that family, the butterfly pea produces fruit that is a legume. It grows as a vine or creeping plant and is native to equatorial Asia and has been introduced to tropical areas of the Americas, Asia, and Africa (Wikipedia, N.D.), where it is a perennial plant. In cooler climates, it is cultivated as an annual. Approximately 60 species of this herb have been identified worldwide, some with white or pink flowers as well as deep blue.

Medicinal Uses 

The roots, seeds, flowers, and leaves of this herb have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for their memory-enhancing and sedative properties (Mukherjee, 2008). Animal studies suggest that C. ternatea may also be beneficial for treating obesity and a host of other health conditions (Sasmana, 2023).

Agricultural Benefits

Agricultural applications of this plant have also proven to be beneficial. Its roots and leaves contribute to soil health by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for fertilizers, and fostering plant growth. The plant is useful as a cover crop and provides fodder for grazing animals. Notably, the plant’s extract has been developed into Sero-X, an organic insecticide approved for macadamia nut and cotton crops in Australia (Institute for Molecular Science, 2017). The shift toward organic insecticides is vital for human health and environmental sustainability.

Culinary and Other Uses

The culinary applications of the flowers are probably the most interesting and dramatic. When steeped in water, the dried or fresh petals yield a deep blue tea. While the flavor of the blue tea is not dramatic, its color-changing ability is. When lemon or lime juice is added to the blue tea, it turns a deep purple color, and roselle petals from Hibiscus sabdariffa will turn the tea a deep red (Smith, 2025). The FDA has approved butterfly pea as a color additive, and it is now found in products like chewing gum, sports drinks, ice cream, and yogurt, to name a few. This color-changing ability is due to anthocyanin pigments in the flower, which are also antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals in the body that are linked to aging and health concerns. 

Butterfly pea flowers can also be added to salads, deep-fried, or used to color rice dishes—a tradition in Indonesia. The color-changing ability of the flower has even inspired the creation of some innovative bar drinks. Beyond food, the flower is used as a natural dye for fabrics, and the young fruit pods are also edible. 

Growing Butterfly Pea

Butterfly pea seeds should be scored, soaked in water for 12-24 hours, and started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Transplant young plants when the average temperature reaches 60 degrees F. The plant grows best in full sun and warm weather, often reseeding itself in warm climates. It is drought-tolerant once established. It will not survive a freeze but can be grown in a container and brought indoors or to a greenhouse in the winter (Missouri Botanical Garden, N.D.)

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1) Butterfly pea flower; 2) Blue butterfly pea tea; 3) Shades of butterfly pea tea, no treatment, with acid, with roselle petals. (All photos courtesy of the author.)

References

Institute for Moleclular Science. 2017. Organic insecticide: an oxymoron? Not anymore. Accessed 8/6/25. https://imb.uq.edu.au/article/2017/05/organic-insecticide-oxymoron-not-anymore%C2%A0

Missouri Botanical Garden. N.D. Clitoria ternatea. Accessed 8/16/25. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280445

Mukherjee, Pulok, et al. The Ayurvedic medicine Clitoria ternetea—from traditional use to scientific assessment. Accessed 8/8/25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.09.009Get rights and content

Sasmana, Gede, et al. 2023. Antiobesity and antidyslipidemic properties of Clitoria ternatea petals aqueous extract against rats induced by high-fat diet. Accessed 8/6/25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11265884/

Smith, Mandy. 2025. Butterfly pea – A natural food coloring. Accessed 8/6/25. https://extension.psu.edu/butterfly-pea-a-natural-food-coloring

Maryann is a member of The Herb Society of America’s Texas Thyme Unit in Huntsville, TX. She is a Texas Master Gardener and a certified Native Landscape Specialist with the Texas Native Plant Society and has received The Herb Society’s Nancy Putnam Award for Excellence in Horticulture. She lectures and writes about herbs and plants and does herb training for several Master Gardener programs. She gardens among the pines in the Piney Woods of East Texas.