Common Name: Pacific Pea

General Information

Lathyrus vestitus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 40cm tall. The stems often support themselves on the surrounding vegetation, attaching 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

Western N. America - Washington, Oregon, California

Habitat

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

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Lathyrus vestitus is a somewhat cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -8°c when fully dormant[].
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

Seeds - raw[].

Young leaves and stems - cooked and eaten as a greens[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the roots is emetic. It is used as a general remedy and to treat internal injuries[].

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.