CMP Review 2026-08-26

August 26, 2026

This exotic-looking bloom, known as the passion flower, is actually the state wildflower of Tennessee.

There are many species of passion flower, but the one that grows wild here is Passiflora incarnata. It blooms from June through September, with each flower opening and closing within a day. It’s also long been valued medicinally for its calming properties and is used as a tea to promote sleep and tranquility.

The plant produces an edible green-yellow fruit, too, though the more familiar purple-skinned passion fruit comes from tropical varieties of the plant.

One of the most fascinating things about this native flower? Tennessee schoolchildren were given the vote and chose it as the state wildflower in 1919!

@rbaburina