Practical
Plants

Lathyrus latifolius

Perennial Sweet Pea

a perennial woody member of the Lathyrus genus in the family Leguminosae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
2 m
Spread
2 m
Fertility
Bees
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious)[13][14]. Great caution is advised.

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - cooked[2][3]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpod - cooked[2][3]. Young plant - cooked[2][3].

Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Seed
Plant part
Seedpod

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be grown without supports when they will sprawl on the ground and can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[5][8]. They should be spaced about 1.5 metres apart each way[9]. They are very vigorous and so are best not used with small plants[K]. They also die down completely in the winter, giving weeds a chance to become established[K].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber, Soil surface

Environment

Range
S. Europe. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
Habitat
Hedges, vineyards, fields and uncultivated places[12].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[7]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring[7]. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken[7].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil[7], whether acid or alkaline[8]. Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates part day shade[7]. Succeeds in dry soils and is drought tolerant when established[6]. Grows well on dry slopes[9]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[11]. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c[8]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[4]. It is fast-growing and, when in a suitable position, can become invasive[8]. Plants climb by means of tendrils[5]. Resents root disturbance and can take a year or two to settle down after being moved[10]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[7].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩

  5. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩1↩2

  6. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  8. Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  9. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2

  10. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩

  11. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  12. ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00

    ↩

  13. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

    ↩

  14. Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291

    ↩

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