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Lathyrus sativus

Also Known As

  • Grass Pea

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 1-12

Lathyrus sativus plant details

Lathyrus sativus is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lathyrus sativus

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, cutting garden, rare, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lathyrus sativus

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This narrow-leafed annual grows quickly from seed to produce the most enchanting sky blue flowers with tinges of pink. Combine with masses of butterfly flower for perfect cool-season containers.

Gardening facts about Lathyrus sativus plant

How to Grow Lathyrus sativus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Lathyrus for your garden

aka Golden Yellow Pea, Spring Vetchling

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Lathyrus aureus flower, foliage by Kurt Stueber
View Plant

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
View Plant

More Options

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
View Plant

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
View Plant

More Options

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
View Plant

More Options

+66 more Lathyrus
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