Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - August 05, 2010
From: Grants Pass, OR
Region: Northwest
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Are wild sweet peas edible?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Are wild sweet peas edible? Thanks.ANSWER:
There are several plants with the common name of sweetpea or sweet pea that are native to Oregon—Lathyrus vestitus (wild sweetpea), Lathyrus littoralis (Dune sweet pea), Lathyrus nevadensis (Sierra sweet pea), and Lathyrus pauciflorus (Steppe sweetpea). You will note that under BENEFIT on the Lathyrus vestitus page there is a warning—"Plants in the genus Lathyrus, particularly the seeds, can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested." The Poisonous Plants of North Carolina database says that Lathyrus spp. are "toxic only if large quantities eaten" and tells you how to prepare them so that they aren't toxic. However, you might like to read what the Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System says about Lathyrus odoratus (garden sweet pea) and Lathyrus sativus (grass pea). The results of eating Lathyrus sativus sounds particularly nasty. If I were you, I think I would opt on the side of caution and stick with Pisum sativum (garden pea or English pea).
More Edible Plants Questions
Dead or Dormant Chile Pequins in Corpus Christi
November 12, 2010 - We have 4 chile pequin and 5 chiltepin plants growing our yard. All were thriving beautifully until we took a 12-day vacation in late July. There was little rain during that time but overall this y...
view the full question and answer
Grafting Pecan Trees
July 05, 2013 - I have planted two pecan nuts and now they are about 4 feet tall trees, they have not been grafted but can I graft one of the trees to the other and vice versa and expect pecans from then, they are he...
view the full question and answer
Nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible from Fairfax VA
June 01, 2011 - Is the nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible?
view the full question and answer
Plants for farm animals from East Greenwich RI
May 03, 2014 - What type of perennial flowers and shrubs are safe to plant around farm animals (dogs, horses, chickens, turkeys) in New England climate?
view the full question and answer
Native Fruits for Texas Hill Country
March 31, 2009 - Can you recommend a species of blackberry for San Antonio or any other fruit that will be compatible in my garden? (mostly Hill Country Native, thanks to Ladybird). The local store has raspberries, bu...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |