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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 nevadensis

Lathyrus nevadensis S. Watson

Sierra Pea, Sierran Vetching, Sierra Sweet Pea

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: LANE3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

The long erect stems of this sweet pea do not end in tendrils, so the perennial tends to form clumps up to 1 1/2 ft. high. The leaves are pinnately compound. Showy, pea-like flowers are borne in small clusters and are various shades of blue or purple with delicate veining. The flowers are followed by pea-like pods.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 18 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , OR , WA
Native Distribution: N. Coast Ranges & w. base of Sierras from Fresno to Butte Cos., n. to B.C. & e. to ID
Native Habitat: Dry, conifer slopes

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained soils.

Propagation

Description: Propagate with treated seeds.
Seed Treatment: Seeds must be scarified and/or stratified.
Commercially Avail: yes

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-07-13
Research By: TWC Staff

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