Marsh Pea

(Lathyrus palustris)

Marsh Pea (Lathyrus palustris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lathyrus palustris, commonly known as Marsh Pea, is a deciduous perennial vine or herb native to wet meadows, marshes, and stream banks across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It typically grows to a height of 25 to 80 cm (10 to 31 in) with sprawling or climbing stems that are shallowly-winged and nearly hairless. The plant produces an inflorescence of two to eight pinkish-purple pea flowers, each up to two centimeters wide, during its flowering season in July and August. The flowers are modestly showy and attract pollinators.

Marsh Pea is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used for naturalizing in riparian restoration projects. It can also be used in garden settings as a ground cover or trained up a trellis for vertical interest. While it prefers part shade, it can tolerate full sun if sufficient moisture is provided. It requires medium amounts of water and can grow in a variety of soil types, provided they have slow to medium drainage and are consistently moist. Gardeners should be aware that, although not aggressive, it can spread in ideal conditions and may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine, Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Wet, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to wet meadows, marshes, and stream banks across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere

Other Names

Common Names: Marsh Vetchling, Marsh-Pea, Kær-Fladbælg, Sumpf-Platterbse, Gesse Des Marais, Moeraslathyrus, China Bolotnaya, Kärrvial, Sumpvial

Scientific Names: , Lathyrus palustris, Lathyrus paluster, Lathyrus palustris var. palustris, Lathyrus occidentalis, Orobus palustris, Lathyrus nudicaulus, Lathryus incurvus, Lathryus myrtifolius, Lathryus occidentalis

GBIF Accepted Name: Lathyrus palustris L.