Common Name: Cream Peavine

General Information

Lathyrus ochroleucus is a herbaceous perennial plant with slender stems growing 30 - 90cm tall. The stems scramble over the ground and into the surrounding vegetation, supporting themselves by means of tendrils[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

Known Hazards

Although no specific records of toxicity have been found for this species, the seed and other parts of many Lathyrus species 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

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Range

N. America - Northwest Territory, British Colombia to Quebec, south to Washington, Wyoming, Illinois and Pennsylvania

Habitat

Dry or moist woods, slopes and rocky banks[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.75 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally grow well when given a position in full sun in most, moderately fertile, well-drained soils[].
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.

Root - cooked[]. Used like potatoes, they can be stored in pits in the garden[].

Medicinal

The plant has been used in the treatment of stomach aches[].

Other Uses

None known

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[].