Manystem Peavine, Hoary pea

Lathyrus polymorphus

Physical Characteristics

Lathyrus polymorphus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Idaho and Colorado to Arizona and New Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seedpod Edible Uses: Seedpods and seeds[46, 61, 105, 257]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

None known

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.