Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 732 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000212700
Common Names
- Lathyrus odoratus
- Sweet Vetchling
- Sweet Pea
Synonyms
- Lathyrus cyprius Rech.f. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus-zeylanicus Burm.f. [valid]
- Lathyrus maccaguenii Tod. ex Nyman [invalid]
- Pisum odoratum (L.) E.H.L.Krause [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus pleniflorus Moldenke [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus albus Alef. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus ater Alef. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus carneus Alef. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus pardalinus Alef. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus roseoalbus Alef. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus roseovittata Alef. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus vulgaris Alef. [valid]
- Lathyrus odoratus siculus L. [unknown]
- Lathyrus odoratus zeylanicus L. [unknown]
Description
Lathyrus odoratus (also called sweet pea, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 70 cm tall. It has a slender stem with small, ovate-lanceolate leaves. It is native to Europe and is found in dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and other disturbed habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Lathyrus odoratus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and to provide nitrogen to the soil.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Lathyrus odoratus is a pink-purple color with a five-lobed corolla. The seed is a small, flattened, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are thin and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lathyrus odoratus can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Where to Find Lathyrus odoratus
Lathyrus odoratus can be found in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
Lathyrus odoratus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Lathyrus odoratus?
Lathyrus odoratus
What is the common name of Lathyrus odoratus?
Sweet Pea
Where is Lathyrus odoratus found?
It is found in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
Species in the Lathyrus genus
Lathyrus aureus,
Lathyrus gmelinii,
Lathyrus transsilvanicus,
Lathyrus berteroanus,
Lathyrus brachycalyx,
Lathyrus cabreranus,
Lathyrus campestris,
Lathyrus graminifolius,
Lathyrus hasslerianus,
Lathyrus holochlorus,
Lathyrus jepsonii,
Lathyrus lomanus,
Lathyrus nevadensis,
Lathyrus nigrivalvis,
Lathyrus paraguariensis,
Lathyrus paranensis,
Lathyrus parodii,
Lathyrus pauciflorus,
Lathyrus rigidus,
Lathyrus tropicalandinus,
Lathyrus eucosmus,
Lathyrus lanszwertii,
Lathyrus linearifolius,
Lathyrus littoralis,
Lathyrus macropus,
Lathyrus macrostachys,
Lathyrus multiceps,
Lathyrus nervosus,
Lathyrus nitens,
Lathyrus ochroleucus,
Lathyrus polyphyllus,
Lathyrus pubescens,
Lathyrus pusillus,
Lathyrus splendens,
Lathyrus subandinus,
Lathyrus subulatus,
Lathyrus sulphureus,
Lathyrus torreyi,
Lathyrus venosus,
Lathyrus vestitus,
Lathyrus biflorus,
Lathyrus acutifolius,
Lathyrus cicera,
Lathyrus sericeus,
Lathyrus whitei,
Lathyrus hookeri,
Lathyrus magellanicus,
Lathyrus blepharicarpus,
Lathyrus blepharicarpos,
Lathyrus gorgoni,
Species in the Fabaceae family