Cream Peavine

Lathyrus ochroleucas

Physical Characteristics

Lathyrus ochroleucas is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America - Quebec to British Columbia, south to New Jersey, Illinois, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[46, 61, 105, 161, 257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked[257]. Used like potatoes, they can be stored in pits in the garden[257].

Medicinal Uses

Stomachic The plant has been used in the treatment of stomach aches[257].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious)[65, 76]. Great caution is advised.