Native Plants
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Lathyrus vestitus
Lathyrus vestitus Nutt.
Pacific Pea, Wild Sweetpea, Canyon Pea
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: LAVE2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The Pacific Pea is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), which includes trees, shrubs, herbs, and vines with compound or occasionally simple leaves and flowers usually in clusters.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Vine
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Climbing stems up to about 8 feet long. Climbs by tendrils.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: White, pinkish and lavender.
Distribution
USA: CA , OR , WAGrowing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , ShadeBenefit
Use Ornamental: Good under trees.Use Food: Young leaves eaten by indigenous peoples.
Warning: Plants in the genus Lathyrus, particularly the seeds, can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of the
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Bibliography
Bibref 1218 - Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. KatSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant Society
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Lathyrus vestitus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lathyrus vestitus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lathyrus vestitus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-19Research By: TWC Staff