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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Lathyrus vestitus Nutt.

Pacific pea, Wild sweetpea, Canyon pea

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

USDA Symbol: lave2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

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: Perennial
Habit: Vine
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft. , 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Lavendar

Distribution

USA: CA , OR , WA
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade

Benefit

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. Kat

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Lathyrus vestitus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Lathyrus vestitus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lathyrus vestitus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-04-08
Research By: TWC Staff

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