Common Name:

General Information

Lathyrus venosus is a herbaceous perennial plant with stout, erect or climbing stems up to 100cm long. The stems attach themselves to surrounding vegetation by means of tendrils[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

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

Eastern & Central N. America - Alberta to Quebec, south to New Mexico and Texas to Georgia

Habitat

Mixed evergreen forest, brushy and wooded places; at elevations up to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	0.75 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Lathyrus venosus is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -30°c when fully dormant[].
Grows well in full sun and in light, dappled shade, succeeding in most moderately fertile, well-drained soils[]. Grows well in moist to wet 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

None known

Medicinal

The root is emetic, stimulant and tonic[], A decoction is taken internally and also applied to the chest in the treatment of convulsions[]. It is taken internally as an emetic to treat internal blood accumulation[].
A poultice of the boiled root is applied to bleeding wounds[].

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.