![]() Potential health benefits of butterfly pea flowerīutterfly pea flowers may be associated with several health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and often used as an herbal tea and natural dye. The butterfly pea is a plant native to Asia that is known for its bright blue flowers. This quality makes butterfly pea flower a popular ingredient among mixologists for specialty cocktails ( 1).Īdditionally, it’s known for its medicinal properties and has been associated with a variety of potential health benefits. When the acidity of the pea flower tea changes, the color changes as well. The flowers are also commonly brewed into an herbal tea, often alongside ingredients like lemongrass, honey, and lemon. It is also rich in anthocyanins, which are the antioxidant compounds responsible for its unique color ( 1).įor this reason, manufactures may use butterfly pea flower in cosmetics or as a natural dye for foods, drinks, and textiles. You may recognize it by its striking, vibrant blue flowers ( 1). These may be used for hay if enough forage such as ryegrass is mixed with the buttercup.Also known by its scientific name, Clitoria ternatea, the butterfly pea is a plant native to Asia. Some pastures must be vacated to prevent diarrhea. ![]() Poisoning can usually be prevented by not forcing animals to consume buttercup at flowering. Horses consuming buttercup can die from colic. Most cases of buttercup poisoning in Texas are not life threatening. The signs of poisoning are those of severe gastrointestinal irritation and include: Red and/or ulcerated oral tissues Salivation Blood-tinged milk Diarrhea Abdominal pain Depression or excitation Convulsions Death. ![]() Although the toxin content varies widely within and among species of buttercup, a large amount of plant material is usually required to cause clinical signs with the species growing in Texas. The levels of glycoside increases greatly as the plants mature and reach the flowering stage.īecause protoanemonin is not stable, the plant is not a problem in hay. Virtually all of the species require ample water and are found in seeps, mud flats, along ditches or in standing, shallow water.Īll species are thought to contain a glycoside at various concentrations that is converted to protoanemonin, which acts as a blistering agent. However, significant populations are usually found only in the eastern third of the state. There are two or more species of buttercup in every vegetational region of Texas. They usually have five glossy yellow petals and give rise to a small, dry fruit. The basal leaves usually have a distinctly different shape.įlowers are arranged in fanshaped clusters. The stem leaves are alternate, with palmlike veins, and are deeply lobed or dissected. These are perennial or annual herbs with a sharp, bitter taste. There are 18 species of Ranunculus in Texas.
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