The maypop is one of several common names associated with this native vine named Passiflora incarnata (pass-ee-FLOR-uh in-kar-NAH-tuh) that grows throughout the southeastern United States. Other names include passion vine, passionflower, all with very interesting stories behind their origins.

The name “maypop” comes from the fact that along the coastal regions the flowers come out in late spring with fruits (seed pods) forming in May. Since this vine tends to ramble and grow all over the ground, people would step on these fruits and they would make a loud noise as they “popped” open. This name is derived from the word “maracock,” the name used by the Powhatan tribe of Florida.

The names passion vine and passionflower can be traced to the early Spanish conquistadors who explored Florida in the mid 1500s. They thought that the very distinctive flower with the arrangement of stamens and pistil was a symbol of the Passion of Christ. The genus name Passiflora means “passion flower” and the species name incarnata means “in the flesh.”

There are over 500 species of passion vine in the world with nine native to the United States. P. incarnata is the most prolific growing species in our area with some even asking if it is invasive since it has such rampant growing. Since it is native, we cannot list it as invasive by the definition but we can say to watch out where you plant it for it can get away from you if you are not careful. Each seed pod is loaded with seeds that germinate easily when released from the fruit.

It is an easy vine to grow, preferring full sun to partial shade, no real pest problems and drought tolerant once established.

I did say that there are no real pest problems but maypops are a vital host plant for several butterflies, including the Gulf Fritillary and the Zebra Longwing. What this means is that the caterpillar stage of these butterflies will eat this vine from one end to the other as they grow and develop. We actually grow these vines at the garden as the host plant for butterflies so do not be surprised if you plant this vine and come out one day and see half of it gone due to the voracious feeding habits of the caterpillars; I do not consider this a pest problem but part of the cycle of life necessary in our ecosystems.

As to the maypop being edible, I would say sort of; there are many better things to eat than this but it can happen. Many have made jelly from the fruit but there are many better choices out there. One Passiflora species is used to flavor Hawaiian Punch and has been called passion fruit since it does have a very sweet taste. They are distant relatives of the papaya and it seems that the more tropical species are edible. In Europe, several sedatives have been made from dried parts of the leaves and flowers. For me, its best use as an edible is food for the caterpillars, and that is why I would have maypops in my garden – let them eat to their hearts content so I can enjoy the beautiful butterflies that will emerge later.

Harvey Cotten, an author of “Easy Gardens For the South,” is the chief horticulturist and vice president at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Write c/o The Huntsville Times, P.O. Box 1487, West Station, Huntsville 35807.