Maypop (Passiflora incarnata)

Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is a member of the Passifloraceae family, native to Eastern North America, Southeastern United States, and Southern United States. Traditionally, its leaves, fruits, and flowers have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, antispasmodic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Maypop
Scientific Name	Passiflora incarnata
Plant Family	Passifloraceae
Genus	Passiflora
Species	incarnata
Native Range	Eastern North America, Southeastern United States, Southern United States
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Fruits, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Antispasmodic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Passiflora incarnata
Common Name: Maypop
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Passionflower, Wild Passionflower, Wild Passion Vine
Plant Family: Passifloraceae
Genus: Passiflora

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal racemes bearing actinomorphic flowers with five white petals, five yellow sepals, and a crown of five red filaments surrounding a central reproductive structure.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with opposite leaf scars and persistent stipular remnants.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: Traditionally described as a warming sedative, in nervous system–related contexts.
Antispasmodic: As described in traditional systems, a calming antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a mild tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a gentle anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Glycoside: Plant-produced compounds commonly stored in inactive glycosylated forms.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Reports indicate that this herb may exhibit toxic properties in some contexts.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.