Photo of Lathyrus aureus flower, foliage by Kurt Stueber

Photo by Kurt Stueber

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Buy Lathyrus aureus

Also Known As

  • Golden Yellow Pea
  • Spring Vetchling

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

3.5" | $16

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37 at Secret Garden Growers

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Lathyrus aureus plant details

Lathyrus aureus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring orange and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lathyrus aureus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: orange and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, rare

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lathyrus aureus

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Emerging crosiers rise out of the spring soil becoming distinctive burnt-orange pendulous flower spikes that make an intricate, light-handed addition to the herbaceous border - fluffy, lax, and informal. Blooms early to midsummer. 2 x 2 ft Minimum temperature: -20°F
Uncommon species which has an understated wowness, a gently modulated shout-out, a decorous fist-pump, a nomination for Best Supporting Perennial. While this Pea is no Peacock, it nonetheless garners ample attention with its clusters of copper-orange Pea flowers in mid to late spring which are set off nicely by the dense light green leaves. Long-lived and to our minds, choice perennial.

Gardening facts about Lathyrus aureus plant

How to Grow Lathyrus aureus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • orange
    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Lathyrus for your garden

aka Orobus vernus, Everlasting Sweet Pea, Perennial Sweet Pea, Spring Bitte, Spring Pea, Spring Vetch, Spring Vetchling

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Lathyrus vernus flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Lathyrus vernus f. rosea, Spring Vetch

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Lathyrus vernus f. roseus flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Black Knight Sweet Pea

Plant Type

Vine, Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 5'-6'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Lathyrus odoratus 'Black Knight' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Lord Nelson Old Spice Sweet Pea

Plant Type

Vine, Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-12

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Lathyrus odoratus 'Lord Nelson' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Mrs. Collier Old Spice Sweet Pea

Plant Type

Vine, Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-12

Size

Height: 5'-10'

Width: 1'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Lathyrus odoratus 'Mrs. Collier' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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