Spring Vetch

(Lathyrus vernus)

Spring Vetch (Lathyrus vernus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lathyrus vernus, commonly known as Spring Vetch, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including deciduous woodlands, forest margins, and clearings across Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and regions of Iran. It typically grows to a modest size of 0.5-1 feet in both height and width. Spring Vetch is appreciated for its early spring flowers, which come in a delightful mix of blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, and white hues. Unlike some other plants, it retains its foliage after flowering and continues to grow until autumn, providing a prolonged period of interest in the garden.

Spring Vetch is valued for its ability to thrive in the dappled light of woodland gardens, making it an excellent choice for underplanting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. It is also suitable for border fronts, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. While it prefers part shade to full shade, it is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have medium drainage. Regular watering is needed to keep the plant healthy, especially during dry spells. The cultivar ’Alboroseus’, with its attractive two-tone pink and white flowers, has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities for garden use. Gardeners should note that while Lathyrus vernus is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from slugs and snails, which are attracted to its tender spring growth.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Deciduous woodlands, forest margins, and clearings across Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and regions of Iran

Other Names

Common Names: Spring Pea , Spring Vetchling , Spring Pea , Spring Vetch , Vår-Fladbælg , Fruhlings-Platterbse , Frühlings-Platterbse , Kevätlinnunherne , Gesse Du Printaniere , Kisam Garnanain

Scientific Names: Lathyrus vernus , Orobus vernus , Lathyrus vernus subsp. vernus , Lathyrus vernus subsp. gracilis , Lathyrus vernus var. gracilis , Orobus gracilis , Lathyrus flaccidus , Lathyrus vernus subsp. flaccidus , Lathyrus vernus var. albiflorus , Lathyrus vernus var. latifolius

GBIF Accepted Name: Lathyrus vernus (L.) Bernh.