Common Name: Perennial Sweet Pea

General Information

Lathyrus latifolius is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant with erect stems up to 3 metres tall. The plant scrambles into the surrounding vegetation, supporting itself by means of tendrils[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for localuse as a food. It is sometimes grown as a ground cover, and is often grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant, but especially the seed, contain a toxic amino-acid. It is produced in the plant at about the same time that the seed starts to develop. In small quantities the amino acid is innocuous, and the seeds of several Lathyrus species are eaten as a nutritious part of the diet. However, in larger quantities (the seed should form less than 30% of a balanced diet), it can cause a very serious disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism'. Symptoms appear as a paralysis of the muscles below the knees, pains in the back, followed by weakness and stiffness of the legs and progressive locomotive incoordination[, , ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southern and central Europe - France to Portugal, east to Ukraine and Greece; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

Habitat

Hedges, vineyards, fields and uncultivated places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Lathyrus latifolius is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when fully dormant[].
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil[], whether acid or alkaline[]. Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates part day shade[]. Succeeds in dry soils and is drought tolerant when established[]. Grows well on dry slopes[]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[].
A very ornamental plant[], there are many named varieties[]. It is fast-growing and, when in a suitable position, can become invasive[]. Plants climb by means of tendrils[].
Resents root disturbance and can take a year or two to settle down after being moved[].
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[].

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[, ]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Young seedpod - cooked[, ].
The seedpod can be up to 11cm long and 1cm wide, containing 10 - 15 seeds[].

Young plant - cooked[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

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[, ]. They should be spaced about 1.5 metres apart each way[]. They are very vigorous and so are best not used with small plants[]. They also die down completely in the winter, giving weeds a chance to become established[].

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[]. 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[].
Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken[].