Perennial Pea

(Lathyrus latifolius)

Perennial Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lathyrus latifolius, commonly known as Perennial Pea, is a deciduous perennial herb or vine, native to open woodlands and grassy slopes of Southern Europe and parts of North Africa. This robust, sprawling herbaceous flowering vine can climb with the aid of tendrils, reaching lengths of up to 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters). It has winged, hairless stems, and alternating blue-green compound leaves consisting of a single pair of leaflets and a winged petiole about 2 inches long. Short racemes of 4–11 flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves during the summer and early autumn, lasting about 2 months. The flowers are unscented, approximately 3⁄4–1 inch across, and display a typical Faboideae structure with an upper standard and lower keel, enclosed by lateral petals. The 5 petals are purplish-pink, fading with age, and while not fragrant, they add a splash of color to the garden.

Perennial Pea is valued for its ability to cover unsightly areas quickly, its drought tolerance once established, and its minimal maintenance requirements. It is often used for ground cover, to stabilize slopes, or allowed to climb trellises and fences. It thrives in partial to full sun and adapts to a range of soil types, including loam or clay-loam, whether moist, mesic, or slightly dry. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can become pervasive and difficult to remove, potentially outcompeting native vegetation. In areas where it is invasive, such as parts of the United States, it should be planted with care or avoided altogether.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Vine
  • Height: 6-9 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands and grassy slopes of Southern Europe and parts of North Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Everlasting Peavine, Everlasting-Pea, Perennial Peavine, Perennial Sweetpea, Perennial-Pea, Broadleaf Everlasting-Pea, Broadleaf Everlasting Pea, Broadleaf Peavine, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Sweet Pea

Scientific Names: , Lathyrus latifolius, Lathyrus latifolius var. latifolius, Lathyrus megalanthus, Lathyrus sylvestris var. platyphyllos, Lathyrus latifolius var. angustifolius, Lathyrus latifolius var. genuinus, Lathyrus latifolius var. neglectus, Lathyrus sylvestris subsp. latifolius, Lathyrus sylvestris var. latifolius

GBIF Accepted Name: Lathyrus latifolius L.