Yellow passionflower (Passiflora lutea, Sp. Pl.: 958 (1753))

Family: Passifloraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 958 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Passiflora

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Yellow Passionflower, scientifically known as Passiflora lutea, is a unique and intriguing member of the Passifloraceae family. Originally described in 1753, this species was classified by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus, and its place within the botanical world has long been acknowledged and studied.

Native to the central and eastern regions of the United States, the Yellow Passionflower thrives in various habitats, ranging from woodlands to disturbed areas such as roadsides. This versatility in habitat showcases the plant’s adaptive nature, allowing it to populate a diverse array of environments.

The distinguishing feature of the Yellow Passionflower is its delicate, pale yellow flowers, which typically bloom in the spring and early summer. These blossoms are striking not only for their unique hue but also for their intricate structure, characteristic of the Passiflora genus. The flowers eventually give way to small, dark fruits, which are an important food source for various wildlife species.

This plant’s foliage is another point of interest; the leaves are deeply lobed and provide a subtle backdrop to the more flamboyant blooms. The leaves typically remain green throughout the growing season, adding a lush quality to the understory of the areas they inhabit.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, plants within the Passifloraceae family, including Passiflora lutea, are significant for their ecological roles. They provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and their fruits serve as a food source for birds and other animals within their ecosystems.

Despite its modest size and unassuming presence compared to other Passiflora species, the Yellow Passionflower holds its own as a valuable and visually pleasing component of North America’s flora. Whether observed in a natural setting or cultivated within a garden, Passiflora lutea remains a captivating example of botanical beauty and ecological importance.

Common Names

Deu: gelbe passionsblume
Eng: passionflower, yellow passionflower
En: Yellow passionflower, Passionflower
De: Gelbe Passionsblume
Tr: Sarı çarkıfelek

Synonyms

• Granadilla lutea ((L.) Medik.)
• Passiflora lutea var. glabriflora (Fernald)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 7, 2022 by Hayden Mansfield (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Simon Gfeller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Diana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Norma Villalta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Judy Jergins (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by Aaron Jenkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Matt Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by Matt Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2020 by Anja Collette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2021 by Christian Kotara (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 10, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Diana (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Diana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2015 by EOL − Mark Rosenstein (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 1994 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2015 by EOL − Ann Walter-Fromson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 8, 2015 by EOL − awright (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 31, 2015 by EOL − Ann Walter-Fromson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 19, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 28, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 14, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Matt Miller (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874220)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:675171-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Passiflora lutea L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 4.5